Toronto, Aug. 13: Roger Federer defeated Michael Llodra 7-6 (7/2), 6-3 at the Toronto Masters on Thursday to set up a re-match with Tomas Berdych, who upset him in the Wimbledon quarterfinals.
The Swiss third seed needed less than 90 minutes to pass his third-round test against an old-school Frenchman whom he’s known forever but has never played.
The throwback serve-and-volley style of the number 35 suited Federer down to the ground after the Swiss fought back in the first set from a break in the second game.
The victory propelled Federer into a quarterfinal against seventh-seeded Berdych, who defeated Alexander Dolgopolov of the Ukraine 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), 6-4. Federer has lost twice this season to Berdych, also falling to him in in Miami.
Argentinian David Nalbandian won his 11th match in a row as his return to form continues to build. The unseeded danger-man eliminated two-time Roland Garros finalist and fifth seed Robin Soderling 4-6, 6-4, 6-1.
Frenchman Jeremy Chardy scored an upset over Russian sixth seed Nikolay Davydenko 6-3, 6-2. Meanwhile top seed Rafael Nadal showcased the modern style with a demolition of Kevin Anderson 6-2, 7-6 (8/6).
Federer recovered against Llodra after going down 0-2, getting the break back in the seventh game and taking charge of the match from there on in.
“I knew it would be a tough match, he got off to a wonderful start. But I like playing against the old style serve-and-volley,” he said.