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Federer battles past Cilic to reach second week


 

Originally published on: 04/09/11 12:25

Roger Federer proved too solid for hard-hitting Croat Marin Cilic, striking only 24 unforced errors in a match that lasted two hours and 40 minutes.

There was little to separate the pair in the opening exchanges but a crucial and controversial break for Federer at 4-4 in the third tipped the game in favour of the No.3 seed. Cilic was facing a break point but as he bounced the ball in preparation for his first serve the umpire issued him with a time violation warning. The 22 year old then went on to double fault, handing Federer the break.

“Did he double fault because of the time violation? Maybe but I don’t think so,” said Federer. “These time violations come out of no where sometimes and then they’ll never come back again.

“If he was really taking too much time then I think it is correct that you warn the guy but then you should just stay tough and also go to point penalties. But I think Marin was playing pretty quick, like I was. It was a tough call, but I guess fair,” Federer added. 

Federer will now play Juan Monaco after the Argentine saw off Tommy Haas 6-7, 6-3, 6-2, 6-3.

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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.