This was a first-rate, third-round match. Unlike the previous round, when Radek Stepanek offered little resistance to Roger Federer, Juan Monaco was a ‘live’ opponent who didn’t take a backseat in rallies. He gets a lot of racquet on the ball when he powders his inside-out forehand, and it consistently challenged Federer, even though the world No. 3 prevailed, 7-6 (4), 6-4.
There were the usual hiccups by Federer. After breaking in the second game of the match, he immediately gave it back with some sloppy play. Similarly, he held triple set point on Monaco’s serve at 6-5 in the first set, but committed three errors and would eventually have to play a tiebreak.
The tiebreak was a roller coaster—no surprise there. Federer twice went up a mini-break, only to lose it both times. But he hit a sensational backhand drop-volley winner when up 5-4 to give him all the separation he would need. That was one of several inspired shots by the Swiss today—including a beautiful backhand smash winner and two—count ‘em—two backhand drop shot, down-the-line, cold winners over a four-point span in the second game of the final set.
Almost in that league was a bold down-the-line backhand on break point in the ninth game of the second set, a shot that Monaco could barely get his racquet on. That break was all Federer needed, as he served out the match on six points in the next game.
The match was played in a good spirit, which became obvious at 15-all in that final game. After a short rally, a Federer shot that landed on the baseline was called out. There was a pause while he challenged, but to Monaco’s credit, at that crucial moment he remained in position on the baseline, conceding that the shot was good and that the point should be replayed. Even Federer had a smile on his face before the next point, won with a good, wide serve.
Commentator Jason Goodall earlier made a reference to Monaco, sporting a tight ponytail, looking like his Argentine compatriot Gaston Gaudio. Fortunately, Monaco showed none of the erratic play often associated with the 2004 French Open champion, and really gave fans their money’s worth. So did Federer, who now plays old pal Olivier Rochus. Federer is 7-0 against the Belgian, his partner when they won the 1998 Wimbledon junior doubles title.
—Tom Tebbutt