Posted at 6:44 a.m., Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Federer struggles in Hamburg Masters victory
Associated Press
HAMBURG, Germany — Roger Federer struggled to beat Juan Monaco 6-3, 2-6, 6-4 today in the second round of the Hamburg Masters.Federer, who needs to win the French Open to complete a career Grand Slam, has gone four straight tournaments without a title _ his worst stretch since becoming the top-ranked player in February 2004.
Carlos Moya rallied to upset Tomas Berdych 3-6, 7-5, 7-6 (6), and Lleyton Hewitt defeated Juan Ignacio Chela 6-2, 7-6 (3).
Playing under a closed roof of the center court on a rainy and cool day, Federer broke Monaco for a 5-4 lead in the final set and then served out the match, converting his first match point with a service winner.
Federer has won the Hamburg Masters, a tuneup for the French Open, in three of his last four visits.
Federer had 44 winners against Monaco, who had 12, but he also had 12 more unforced errors at 38.
