Roger Federer has won a number of ATP tour titles, but he is yet to win the elusive Rome Masters despite reaching the finals of the competition three times in the past. Will 2015 be his year?
The Swiss ace started the competition on the right note as he defeated Pablo Cuevas to reach the third round of the tournament. The Uruguayan player did give his best against the former world number in the first set, but the Swiss prevailed with his class, winning the game 7-6 and 6-4.
Roger Federer served beautifully during the game, firing as many as eight aces to keep Cuevas at bay.
With this victory, Federer will meet South African Kevin Anderson in the third round on Thursday. Anderson had an easier route to the third round with his opponent Philipp Kohnschrieber retiring from the game in the first set itself.
The 6 ft 3 player might not pose a serious challenge to Federer, but the Swiss must be on top of his game to avoid any hiccups in the tournament.
However, the fifteenth seed Anderson will be trying to create a major upset in the competition.
Federer needs to be careful not to avoid another early exit from the Masters series as he was knocked out of the Madrid Masters by Australian Nick Kyrgios of late.
The Swiss has rarely been at his usual best on the red surface compared to the green of the hard courts, but if he wants to clinch his first Rome Masters, he should master playing in clay as well.
Roger Federer does not even care if he is not one of the favourites for the title. But it is such situations, which might prompt the player to play carefree tennis without pressure and allow him to win his first Rome Masters.
"I know I'm not the favourite, like maybe I was in other years, but who cares really," ATP official website quoted Federer as saying. "I'm happy I won my first round match. That was my focus, especially after last week and last year here, both matches I lost with match points. So I'm happy to get the victory tonight."
Where to Watch Live
Roger Federer is expected to play Kevin Anderson at 4pm local time (7:30pm IST, 10 am ET, 3pm BST) with live Tv coverage in India on Ten Sports.
Viewers in the US can watch it on Tennis Channel
UK viewers can watch it on Sky Sports 3.
Viewers around the world, including India can watch it live on tennistv.