Monfils cites fever in lackluster performance against Federer

Roger Federer says he was "solid" on the second day of his fourth-round match against Gael Monfils, in which he won two sets to close out a 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-1 victory. However, the Frenchman said he was not fully fit for the encounter.

The two split sets on a drizzly Sunday when play was stopped due to darkness. Federer believed he had had the upper hand in both sets but was more consistent when play resumed in brighter conditions. "That was exactly what I wanted to do," he said. "I'm very pleased to be back in the quarters, it really means a lot to me."

Monfils, who had won their previous two meetings—both on clay—dropped five straight games to end the match.

"It was tough because I'm sick," said Monfils, who called for a trainer in the fourth set and was blowing his nose repeatedly on court. "The night before the match... I had a bad night and woke up repeatedly. I didn't have a fever this morning, but my body was sluggish."

Federer has now defeated Monfils four times at Roland Garros.