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Federer advances at Indian Wells, faces Raonic next
Roger Federer beat Denis Kudla 6-4, 6-1 to advance to the third round at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells.
Federer broke his opponent five times, won 70% of his second serve return points to win in just 57 minutes.
"I'm always relieved and happy when I am able to find my way into a tournament," Federer said. "So it's a good start for me. I didn't know Kudla very much, or at all, really, so it was a good win for me. I'm looking forward to what's next."
The Swiss will next play against Milos Raonic, who had no problems to beat Carlos Berlocq 64 62.
"I have seen a little bit [of him] against Hewitt this year at the Australian Open, and he's obviously a good player [that's] up and coming," said Federer. "He just had a great run in the American hard courts, early in the season. So this is sort of the same area of the world, similar surface, and I expect it to be a very tough match."
Federer is shaking off a flu bug and slight temperature.
“I have a bit of a combination (of flu and a cold). Not a terrible temperature, but I have some things going on. But I’m the best off in my family… the rest of them are struggling much more.”
Raonic took 79% of his first serve points and hit 17 aces.
"I was striking the ball well," said Raonic. "I was going for my shots and I was hitting them well, so it just came together nicely."
"I think we're both going to be trying to do the same thing to each other, which is pretty much dictate. He's probably the best guy to ever do that," Raonic stated. "It's going to be a great match for myself and I'll try to make the most of it. I know priority number one is going to be try to take care of my serve and build from there. Hopefully I'll have a few opportunities, and hopefully make the most of [them]."
Source and Photo AP
