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Tested early and often, Roger Federer overcame a formidable performance from David Ferrer to advance to the Coupe Rogers quarter-finals on Thursday. Federer prevailed 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 in one hour and 57 minutes.
The Swiss kept his bid alive for a first title in Montreal, improving his 2017 hard-court record to 21-1 and bumping his overall win streak to 14 straight. Meeting for the first time in three years, Federer extended his impressive FedEx ATP Head2Head advantage over Ferrer to 17-0.
Ferrer was on the front foot throughout the opener and he would halt Federer's dominant sets-won streak at 32. The ruthless run began in the first round of the Gerry Weber Open in Halle and included his title at Wimbledon and straight-set win over Peter Polansky on Wednesday.
Striking his forehand with great depth and relying on an efficient first serve, Ferrer was unflappable in closing out the 43-minute opener. The Spaniard, who is in top form after claiming his 27th ATP World Tour title two weeks ago in Bastad, struck a deep, penetrating return to snatch the initial break for 3-1. Serving for the first set at 5-4, he would fire a return at Federer's feet, which the Swiss hit into the net. The second seed struck an uncharacteristic 19 unforced errors in the first set, but the tide would take an abrupt turn in the second. After exchanging early breaks, Federer rediscovered his groove, surging ahead with another break in the fifth game.
Federer's Most Dominant Rivalries
Opponent FedEx ATP Head2Head
David Ferrer
Federer 11-0
Coming forward more often and playing more aggressive, vintage Federer tennis, the Swiss would turn aside a set point at 5-3 and force a decider in the next game. He would pull away from then on, breaking twice in the third and closing out a spot in the quarter-finals with a volley winner on his first match point.
A two-time champion at the Canadian ATP World Tour Masters 1000 event (2004 & '06 in Toronto), Federer advanced to the quarter-finals in Montreal for the first time since 2009. He will next face Roberto Bautista Agut, after the 12th seed edged Gael Monfils 4-6, 7-6(5), 7-6(2) earlier on Thursday. Federer owns a 6-0 edge in their FedEd ATP Head2Head, most recently prevailing at the Masters 1000 event in Miami earlier this year.
Let's be honest here this was Roger on his off day, his service percentage was well below what it usually is which is why he even lost that first set in the first place.
Hopefully, this was a one off sub par performance, and it'll be back to business as usual in the next round.
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