Federer progresses to quarterfinals in Paris

Top-seeded tennis player Roger Federer of Switzerland has advanced to the last eight in the Paris Masters, defeating Radek Stepanek of the Czech Republic 6-4 6-3.

The 16-times grand slam champion was tested on his serve early on, having to save two break points against his unseeded opponent in the third game.

But Federer moved into his rhythm as the first set progressed and made his move in the tenth game, making a forehand winner on break point to win the set.

The second set was much more straightforward for the world number two as he raced out into a three-game lead, securing another break with a backhand down the line.

Stepanek would not be broken again; Federer was dominant on his own serve and easily saw out the match in straight sets.

“I always felt I had the upper hand from the baseline and I think that relaxed me to go for more on the return, and I was serving consistently after the scare I had in the first set, when I had to save a few break points,” Federer said.

“I thought it was a really good match because I don’t think Radek played badly today, I really had to come up with some good stuff.”
Federer, who won the Swiss Indoors tournament in Basel earlier this month, now faces Jürgen Melzer of Austria.