ROTTERDAM. Roger Federer is just 1 match away from regaining his world no.1 spot. In fact, the Swiss sensation has to reach the semifinal in Rotterdam to overtake Rafael Nadal for the top spot in the rankings and he is now about to play the quarters.

Although Roger breezed in the first round with a fast 6-1 6-2 win over Ruben Bemelmans (47 minutes), Federer had to work hard against Philipp Kohlschreiber after he saved 2 consecutive set points in the first set tiebreak and he managed to break the German only once in the 11th game of the second set. Eventually, the world no.2 won 7-6 (8) 7-5 after 1 hour and 41 minutes. 

Today it was extremely complicated. FEDERER

Soon after the match, Roger acknowledged that the match was rather tricky to comment “It was extremely complicated tonight. I couldn’t find my range or my rhythm. I think Philipp did that to me; it was a struggle. Today when the score was close, I couldn’t release my shots. So it was a battle. It was quite the relief at the end.”

Next vs. Haase

Roger will face the world n.42 Robin Haase in the quarters. The head to head is 2-0 for Roger that has never conceded a single set his upcoming opponent. If Roger wins this, he will be the new world no.1

Expect some nerves.