Federer: "I got lucky"
ByReuters
Published 14/11/2006 at 17:57 GMT
Roger Federer admitted he was lucky not to have been beaten by big-serving Andy Roddick in a round robin match at the Masters Cup on Tuesday. The world number one stared defeat in the face when Roddick served for the match at 6-4 in a second set tiebreak,
TENNIS 2006 Masters Cup Roger Federer
Image credit: Imago
"I think he played the perfect match for two sets," said the 25-year-old Swiss, who went on to win 4-6 7-6 6-4. "Maybe one serve lacked in the end so it was unfortunate for him.
"I tried my best. Obviously, it's always hard to control against Andy when he's serving so big like in the first two sets.
"I know I got a bit lucky in the end. But I tried hard and it paid off in the end."
Federer has beaten the world number five in their last eight encounters, including this year's U.S. Open final, but has noticed a big improvement in the American over the last few months.
"I think that was definitely one of his best matches against me," said the nine-times grand slam winner. "I mean, he came so close.
"I think he was serving incredibly, maybe the best ever against me. I was definitely having a hard time reading his serve.
"That's what's been happening for the last half season of this season for him. He's really been able to turn up his serve."
The victory virtually assured Federer's passage to the semi-finals of the year-ending championship for the fifth year in a row. Roddick will need a win in his final match against
defending champion David Nalbandian to go through.
"I'm really, really happy to not be under pressure like he is now," said Federer.
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