Federer, Bondarenko Win At Madrid Masters

Madrid, Spain (AHN) – World’s No.1 Roger Federer booked a spot in the third round of the Madrid Masters after ousting German Benjamin Becker 6-2, 7-6 (7-4) Tuesday.

Federer, the 2009 Madrid Masters winner, stormed to an easy 6-2 win in the opening set by halting Becker’s serve opportunity twice.

However, Federer faced a gritty challenge from Backer in the second, as he overcame a 6-5 deficit to force a tiebreaker.

The Swiss Maestro then unloaded pressure-packed shots down the stretch to finish off Becker in the tiebreaker round.

It has been a rough clay court season for Federer, who lost his first match on clay in Rome and in the semifinal of the 2010 Estoril Open.

Federer will next play either countryman Stanislas Wawrinka or Argentine Leonardo Mayer in the third round.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian Alona Bondarenko stunned World’s No.2 Caroline Wozniack 6-2 6-3 in their women’s singles second round duel Tuesday.

Bondarenko capitalized on Wozniack’s lackadaisical performance, as she blasted the Danish in one hour and 20 minutes.

Wozniack previously said she’s not 100 percent healthy due to an ankle injury she suffered an ankle injury at Family Circle Cup last month.

Bondarenko, who currently ranks at No.26, looks to advance into the quarterfinal round when she faces China’s Li Na in the third round.

---