Rome: Swiss World No.2 Roger Federer survived a late fightback by Kevin Anderson Thursday to book his place in the quarter-finals and a possible last four match-up with Rafael Nadal at the Italian Open. Federer, bidding to win his first title on the red clay of the Foro Italico, swept Anderson aside 6-3 in the first set and looked to be heading to an easy win on Centre Court before the 15th-seeded South African launched a late fightback.
Anderson stubbornly saved two match points in the second set before Federer sealed the win 7-5 to book a last eight clash with Czech Tomas Berdych or local hope Fabio Fognini. If Federer accounts for Berdych he will meet seven-time champion Nadal — a 6-4, 6-4 winner over big-serving John Isner — in the semifinals on Saturday, providing the Spaniard overcomes Swiss Stan Wawrinka on Friday.
Nadal came into the event looking to make amends for his defeat to Andy Murray in the final of the Madrid Masters last week, when the Scot took his victory streak to a remarkable 10 wins out of 10 on clay this season.
The Spaniard said he is “more than happy” as he looks to put the mediocre form that has besieged his clay court game lately behind him, and aim for a 10th French Open title. “I’m more than happy, I think I played a fantastic match against a very, very tough opponent,” said Nadal.
