Federer battles into US Open quarterfinals
It took three and a half hours but Roger Federer found a way to beat 23rd-seeded Igor Andreev of Russia in the fourth round of the US Open on Tuesday.
In an emotional five-set struggle Federer rallied to beat Andreev 6-7 (5), 7-6 (5), 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 to reach the quarterfinals at the year’s last Grand Slam.
During the game Federer often threw his head back in disappointment or screamed with delight. The four-time defending champion couldn’t stop smiling at the end of the test at Flushing Meadows. He explained afterwards that he found it fun to be pushed into a fifth set.
“I don’t give myself the opportunity that much, you know, because I always win easily,” Federer said. “I was just really pleased with my fighting spirit.”
Serbian third seed Novak Djokovic also had to work hard in his five-set victory over number 15 Tommy Robredo. Djokovic will meet former US Open champion Andy Roddick of the United States in the quarterfinals.
In the women’s quarterfinals number five seed Elena Dementieva of Russia beat Switzerland’s Patty Schnyder 6-2, 6-3.
Federer plays 130th-ranked Gilles Muller in the quarterfinals on Thursday. The only man from Luxembourg to play Grand Slam tennis, Muller is the second ever qualifier to reach the quarterfinals.
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