ROGER FEDERER NEWS
March 26th, 2018 -- Miami, Florida
In his first match at the Miami Open, number 1 ranked Roger faced a feisty Thanasi Kokkinakis.
The two have practiced many times, which helped the young Australian find confidence against the Swiss Star. The 21-year old showed no fear, was ready to leave it all on the court and persevered pushing Roger to his limits. Kokkinakis won 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(4).
“It's a big result for him in his career. I hope it's going to launch him, really getting his ranking up.”
It was the first time Roger has faced back to back loses since 2014 and it also means that Rafael Nadal will take over the number one spot at the end of the tournament.
After his loss, Roger announced he will skip the 2018 clay court season as well and focus on figuring out what works best for him and his game.
“I'm trying to figure things out, so, I have time now," he said. "It's pretty simple at the end of the day. You go back to the practice court or go on vacation, you really take a break, get away from it all. When you come back to the practice court to work, whatever it is, you do it at 100 per cent.”
March 19, 2018 -- Indian Wells, CA
In front of a sold out crowd, Roger and his 2018 perfect record took the court against Juan Martin del Potro Sunday afternoon for the BNP Paribas Open Finals.
Having fought through three sets in the semifinals against Borna Coric, Roger seemed a bit slow to get in the groove and was broken to lose the first set. While del Potro blasted forehands and serves, Roger held tight in the second set forcing a tiebreak. With a rowdy crowd and both players blowing opportunities, it was tense as the two scrapped for every point. After not converting two of his set points, Roger was able to take the breaker and force a third set.
The atmosphere continued to feel tense as the two exchanged blows from baseline as the final set was also pushed to a tiebreaker. Delpo remained strong and dominated the breaker to win his first ATP Masters 1000 title, 6-4, 6-7(10), 7-6(2)..
While he will remain Number 1 in the world, this was Roger's first loss of the year. Next up for the Swiss Star will be Miami.
March 16, 2018 -- Indian Wells, CA
Roger took to the court at the BNP Paribas Open Thursday evening to take on #NextGen player, Hyeon Chung. This was the second time the two faced off this year, with their previous meeting being at the Australian Open where Chung was battling not only the Swiss Star but also bad blisters.
The 21-year old Korean didn't back down easily. Roger had to break to take the first set 7-5 and then continued to keep the pressure on to take the second set 6-2.
"It was a tough match," Roger said. "He's a great returner, so I knew I had my work cut out for me."
The semifinals are set with Roger facing off against the young Croatian, Borna Coric, on Saturday.
"He's a very steady baseliner, similar to Chung, similar age, the future of tennis," commented Roger.
March 14, 2018 -- Indian Wells, CA
On a gusty desert day, Roger faced off against tricky opponent Jeremy Chardy in the Round of 16 of the BNP Paribas Open.
Having a career win over the Swiss Maestro, Chardy played with confidence and kept things close throughout the match. Roger dealt with his opponent and the elements well and proved why he is the defending Champion and Number 1 player in the world by squeezing out the win 7-5, 6-4.
This win marks Roger's 60th win in the desert and he goes into the Quarterfinals to face Hyeon Chung who will be playing in his first Masters 1000 Quarterfinal.
March 12, 2018 -- Indian Wells, CA
In a routine match on a sweltering desert afternoon, Roger made quick work of his opponent to reach the Round of 16 at the BNP Paribas Open.
Needing less than an hour, Roger took control of the match against Filip Krajinovic blasting winners off both wings and serving himself out of any tough spots. He won the match 6-2, 6-1. Next up for the World Number 1 will be Jeremy Chardy this Wednesday.
"I was playing aggressive and feeling like he was not loving my slice, and then also mixing in dropshots eventually," Roger said. "I think I was able to mix up my game nicely, make it difficult for him.”