Roger Federer passed those of Cain to win at night and some treachery over Dominik Koepfer in the third round of Roland Garros. The Swiss, who had offered good feelings in the previous matches, gave the sand to the 27-year-old German and 59th in the world. Had to play three tiebreakers and 12 games in fourth set (7-6 (5), 6-7 (3), 7-6 (4) and 7-5 at 3:35) to overcome, at 12:45 in the morning, this brave tennis player who surprised in 2019 when he reached the eighth of the US Open.
Federer will meet in the fourth round, reaching for the 68th time in Grand Slams (all-time record), Italian Matteo Berrettini, who easily beat South Korean Soonwoo Kwon (7-6 (6), 6-3 and 6-4 in 2:11).
The Helvetian did not find a way to easily overwhelm a rival with pace and desire, who knew the recent vulnerability of his opponent, defeat in a few months by Basilashvili and Andújar, on different surfaces. It could be said that Federer did not like playing at night at the Philippe Chatrier, without an audience, in a cold environment. “Thanks for not falling asleep,” Roger said to the few who could be on the track. His body language denoted it at all times. He looked frowning and at times a certain reluctance. In others, he played like a kamikaze, as if instead of moving on clay he was doing it on the grass at Wimbledon.
Patience and magic
HHe hoisted many raises after serve that did not touch and Koepfer humiliated him with slops and balloons. But he kept calm and knew how to pull his magic with some incredible blows to solve the ballot while waiting for better times and sensations. Much will have to improve to continue, but exceptional things can always be expected from him.
Results, table and calendar.