Roger Federer sealed a 6-3 6-4 7-5 win over Julien Benneteau to march on into round four of the French Open.
The record 17-time grand slam champion defeated an opponent who has caused him problems in previous encounters - with Benneteau beating Federer in Rotterdam earlier in the season and blowing a two-set lead at Wimbledon last year.
Federer was graceful on court and had a deft touch all round, but Benneteau played his part early on as it was the Frenchman who settled the quicker of the two. Benneteau won the first two games, but Federer quickly leveled at two each and began to fire.
The serve was working extremely well and three consecutive love service holds saw the Swiss move 4-3 in front.
A run of 11 consecutive points gave Federer the first set as the challenge of Benneteau started to fade. Federer, with 18 winners to his name, also secured the second set thanks to one break point conversion.
The Wimbledon champion answered Benneteau's question to serve to stay in the third set at 5-5, but when Federer put the pressure on in the 11th game Benneteau crumbled, and eight straight points saw Federer cross the finishing line with a flourish.
"I'm able to play quite aggressive at the moment," Federer said afterwards.
"I don't know if I can keep that up. But the important thing is to keep the errors somewhat low, because otherwise it's just silly aggressiveness. It has to be controlled aggression.
"I'm happy because I have not used much of my energy so far. I feel totally relaxed. Mentally I'm okay. I'm quite confident. I can feel it, which is what you need to be if you want to go deep and have good results here at Roland Garros."
Read more at http://www.espn.co.uk/tennis/sport/story/209903.html#cgTxx3PMVLYiKZW2.99
I love seeing the confidence in Roger, that's exactly what he'll need if he's gonna beat Rafa or Djokovic (I must say Rafa is looking less and less impressive each match).
My bold prediction?, Djokovic will knock him out.
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