World number three Roger Federer is just a couple of matches away from winning his first Rome Masters title after his quarterfinal victory against Poland’s Jerzy Janowicz on Friday. The Swiss star prevailed in two sets 6-4, 7-6 in a match that lasted way past midnight Rome time.
It was the first meeting between Federer and Janowicz and the former has already prepared himself that he has to elevate his game against the Pole, who upset Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the second round.
“I knew it wasn’t going to be another 6-1, 6-2 victory like the first two [matches]. Those who thought that was going to be the case don’t know anything about tennis,” Federer said.
“It was a tough match. Janowicz showed some great tennis. I think he’s very talented and has clearly proved that in the past. Coming here, in front of a full stadium, he had nothing to lose. The way he came out and played I thought was impressive. He had break points early in the first set. He swung and hit everything to get the break in the second set. He should have got the set. Clearly, I can be very happy to win in straight sets tonight,” he added.
Federer is aiming to win his first title of the 2013 season. He has finished runner up twice in Rome (2003, 2006). He is scheduled to meet Benoit Paire of France in the semifinals.
