• Madrid Open

Federer demolishes Gasquet to book last-eight spot

Roger Federer swatted aside the challenge of Richard Gasquet © PA Photos

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Roger Federer put on a masterclasss on the much-maligned blue clay to thrash Richard Gasquet 6-3 6-2 and sail into the quarter-finals of the Madrid Open.

Still buzzing after his thrilling three-set victory over Milos Raonic in the previous round, Federer was back to his rampant self, blowing away his French opponent inside an hour.

It was effortless from Federer, who proceeded to show what can be achieved on the blue clay when the mind allows. A delicate drop shot handed him two break points, and a scorching forehand down the line from out wide sealed the break for 3-1.

With his serve in fine working order, Federer was in cruise control and he continued to make life very difficult for the 14th seed on the other side of the net. Gasquet did provide a brief threat but Federer dodged a break point to take a 5-2 advantage, and it was not long before he celebrated claiming the first set having amassed 17 winners.

The 16-time grand slam champion broke Gasquet for a second time in the opening game of the second set as the match gradually slipped further from the Frenchman's reach. There were few dramas for Federer, who was by now hitting winners from all areas of the court, and he served for the match at 5-2.

He got lucky when bringing up two match points, flicking the tape and seeing it evade Gasquet's racket before dropping but, after netting on his first, he hit a forehand into the trams to give Gasquet hope. Gasquet then forced an error from Federer to garner a break point but the Swiss maestro averted the danger by cracking an ace. Match point No. 3 was not far away and a third ace in a row sealed his passage to the next round.

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