Federer Defeats Berlocq in Opening Round Action at the Italian Open
Roger Federer defeated Carlos Berlocq of Argentina in his first round match at the Italian Open in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4. This is one of just three Masters 1000 events that Federer has not been able to claim the title of in his career. Federer took 18 out of 23 points at the net and had an overall 24-13 edge over his opponent in winners. Nadal was replaced at number two by Federer after he had his Madrid Open victory. Nadal defeated Florian Mayer 6-1, 7-5 to advance onto the second round.
Federer next plays former world number one-ranked Juan Carlos Ferrero, the 2001 Rome champion.
The men’s side saw Stanislas Wawrinka defeat the eighth-seeded Janko Tipsarevic 6-3, 6-1 and Andreas Seppi of Italy defeat John Isner 2-6, 7-6, 7-5. Federer was able to reach the finals twice in Rome, losing both in 2003 to Felix Mantilla and Nadal in 2006.
On the women’s side of the draw, American Serena Williams took down Nadia Petrova of Russia in three sets, 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 to take her winning streak to 15 matches after she won titles in both Charleston, S.C. and in Spain. Her sister, Venus, won in straight sets over Ekaterina Makarova of Russia 7-6, 6-1.
Agnieszka Radwanska, Caroline Wozniacki, and Marion Bartoli were all eliminated from the tournament. Ana Ivanovic was able to defeat Silvia Espinosa 6-2, 6-1 to setup a match against Maria Sharapova.
