Roger Federer beats Evgeny Korolev of Kazakhstan to reach Qatar Open quarterfinals
By APWednesday, January 6, 2010
Federer beats Korolev to reach Qatar quarterfinals
DOHA, Qatar — Top-ranked Roger Federer defeated Evgeny Korolev of Russia 6-2, 6-4 Wednesday to reach the quarterfinals at the Qatar Open.
The Swiss star broke serve three times in the first set and once in the second against the 53rd-ranked Korolev. Federer, who won the Qatar Open in 2005 and ‘06, will play either Andreas Seppi of Italy or Ernests Gulbis of Latvia on Thursday.
“I know how he plays, so I had the match under control,” Federer said. “He plays a lot of balls on the forehand, so I was able to stay ahead in the match. There were long rallies in the second set, but I am pleased to have reached the quarterfinals.”
Federer earned his 17th win in Doha, having lost only two matches in five appearances at the tournament.
Later Wednesday, second-ranked Rafael Nadal takes on Potito Starace of Italy.
