PARIS(AP) Roger Federer hung on to beat Jose Acasuso of Argentina 7-6 (8), 5-7, 7-6 (2), 6-2 Thursday and advance to the third round of the French Open.
The three-time finalist at Roland Garros struggled to keep his shots on center court. But he managed to rally for the victory despite trailing 5-1 in the third set.
Federer was in danger of ending his record of 19 straight Grand Slam semifinal appearances, but instead won five straight games to send the third set to a tiebreaker, which he won easily.
The last time Federer lost before the semifinals was the 2004 French Open, when he fell in the third round.