• Sony Ericsson Open

Smooth Federer on path to Sony Ericsson final

ESPN staff
March 28, 2010
Roger Federer faces Florent Serra next © Getty Images
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Roger Federer appears to have the Sony Ericsson Open at his mercy, after he brushed aside Nicolas Lapentti to advance in a draw that is opening up in front of him.

Federer has already watched Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic exit the competition, and the world No. 1 looked in serene form in a flawless 6-3 6-3 victory over Lapentti. Federer broke on three occasions whilst giving his opponent not so much as a sniff on his own serve.

The Swiss won 27 of 31 points on his first serve and now goes on to face Florent Serra in the third round.

"I hadn't even started playing yet, and there are two big names out of the tournament already," Federer said. "It worries me as well, being the top seed. I'm relieved I'm through the first match."

Fifth seed Robin Soderling continued his impressive run of form with a 7-6(5) 6-0 victory over Australian No. 2 Peter Luczak. He will meet Philipp Petzchner in round three after the German saw off Janko Tipsarevic 6-4 6-0.

Marin Cilic enjoyed a comfortable victory over France's Stephane Robert. The Croatian needed just an hour to seal a 6-3 6-1 victory. He willl meet Marcos Baghdatis in the next round following the Cypriot's 6-2 6-4 victory over Juan Ignacio Chela.

There were also victories for Mikhail Youzhny, Jurgen Melzer, Feliciano Lopez, Stanislas Wawrinka, Fernando Gonzalez, Fernando Verdasco, Tomas Berdych, and Juan Monaco.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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