It took only 81 minutes for Roger to beat Stepanek in Madrid. This was an important match for the Maestro that had to test his tennis after an 8 weeks hyatus. Roger won 41 points vs. Radek’s 31.
Federer admitted he didn’t need to put up a fierce battle to comment. “I didn’t think I played incredible, but that’s not what I was expecting myself to do here. But I didn’t play bad, either,” said Federer. “So I’m very happy with how things went today. Stepanek is a player who can cause a lot of difficulties in the game. He has caused me difficulties in the past. Today that wasn’t the case. I thought I was pretty much in control.”
Next round
Roger will play the next round against either Nishikori or Troicki.