ATP News : 2006


Federer Flies into Quarterfinals With Win over Berdych

World No. 1 Roger Federer extended his record grass-court winning streak to 45 matches, defeating No. 13 seed Tomas Berdych


Federer fired 21 aces, compared to one for Berdych. The top seed converted four of seven break point chances and fought off the only break point he faced.

Federer broke Bjorn Borg\'s Open Era record of 41 straight grass court wins in the first round. The Swiss tennis genius is seeking his fourth straight Wimbledon crown. Pete Sampras was the last player to achieve that (1997-2000).

In the quarterfinals, Federer will play No. 7 seed Mario Ancic, who persevered over Novak Djokovic 6-4, 4-6, 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 Monday.

Ancic was the last man to beat Federer on grass -- in the first round of Wimbledon in 2002. Federer holds a 3-1 career advantage over Ancic, beating him in their last match at Roland Garros this year.

In his match Monday, Ancic served 31 aces to 10 for Djokovic. Ancic converted three of eight break point chances, while Djokovic converted two of three.

Ancic reached the semifinals of Wimbledon in 2004 (l. to Roddick). Last year he made it to the fourth round (l. to Lopez).

Radek Stepanek, seeded 14th, ousted No. 28 Fernando Verdasco 6-7(4), 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 in the fourth round Monday. Stepanek will be playing in the first Grand Slam quarterfinal of his career. His previous best showing was the third round at all four majors.

Against Verdasco, Stepanek had 23 aces, compared to eight for his opponent. And Stepanek had 22 unforced errors, compared to 39 for Verdasco.

Stepanek will square off against Jonas Bjorkman in the quarterfinals, after Bjorkman beat his doubles partner Max Mirnyi 6-3, 7-6(6), 4-6, 2-6, 6-3. Bjorkman has a 3-0 career record against Stepanek.

Bjorkman is playing in his first Grand Slam quarterfinal since Wimbledon three years ago (l. to Roddick). He has won eight of his last nine matches (all on grass), after opening the year 2-10.

In his match Monday, Bjorkman won despite the fact that his serve was broken four times, while Mirnyi was only broken three times. Bjorkman won 161 points, compared to 158 for Mirnyi.





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