INDIAN WELLS, CA – MARCH 12: Roger Federer of Switzerland hits a backhand in his match against Filip Krajinovic of Serbia during the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 12, 2018 in Indian Wells, California. Harry How/Getty Images/AFP
World number one Roger Federer stepped up his bid for a sixth Indian Wells Masters title with a 6-2, 6-1 demolition of Filip Krajinovic on Monday.
The 36-year-old marvel continues to defy the ageing process as he needed just 58 minutes to overpower the Serb with a brilliant display of Swiss timing.
“I was feeling like he was not loving my slice and I was also mixing in dropshots,” said Federer, who extended his perfect record this season to 14-0.
“I was able to mix up my game nicely, make it difficult for him.
“At the same time, have fun with my game, play a variation, but for the most part try to stay on the offensive.”
Federer blasted six aces, had one double fault and won 89 percent of his first serve points, losing just three points on his serve the entire match.
“I actually was explosive out there today and I felt good,” he said. “So I’m very happy how things are turning out to be.”
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Federer, who is the defending champion and trying to win a record sixth title in the California desert, was on the centre stadium for the third day in a row.
His opening match on Saturday night against Federico Delbonis carried over into Sunday afternoon after heavy rains forced a postponement of several night matches.
He said playing matches three days in a row doesn’t faze him.
“You’ve got to be ready for it. It’s what tennis players do. We wait, we play, we wait again, we play again,” Federer said.
“In Rotterdam I played five matches in a row… Back in the day, I used to play six matches in a row.
“At the Masters 1000s, when the format was different, it was the best-of-five-set finals in the finals. Playing three matches in a row. I think I’m okay.”
The 26-year-old Krajinovic struggled mightily against Federer in their first ever career meeting.
“I still think he can play much better than he did today,” Federer said.
“Maybe it was because it was the first time he ever played against me. Who knows why his level wasn’t able go higher than today.”
Federer has already won two titles in 2018, claiming his 20th Grand Slam crown by winning the Australian Open in January. The other victory came in Rotterdam.
In the next round, he faces Jeremy Chardy, who beat fellow Frenchman Adrian Mannarino 7-5, 4-6, 6-1.
Source: G Sport
