By Lauren Lynch
Photo Credit: Mark Howard
(March 28, 2011) Appropriately, the photo of the day captions "Fed Master Swiss." In some of the best tennis of the tournament so far, 3rd seeded Roger Federer fought a tie break, deuce after deuce against Argentine Juan Monaco, who is seeded 32nd. He had pro golfer Greg Norman watching closely in the audience with one of his famous hats.
After fighting tooth and nail, Federer showed his excellent touch and decisive speed on court. This was Federer's 763 career match win which means he is one match win ahead of Pete Sampras. The next person he has to pass is Jimmy Connors with 1,262 to be No. 1.
Federer said of his opponent, who gave him an excellent match, "I think we've only played once before in Hamburg. That was in 2007, not that long ago, but still long enough ago in a second, third round to me to almost be a blur. Not much I can take out of that match. But I've seen him play for multiple years, and he is a good player, nice backhands, good intensity."
Federer isn't sporting his typical classic polo in a statement color and it has taken notice of on-lookers. Federer explained the new look and assures the media that he likes it, "Um, changing colors again for the clay, so it's just -- like last year I played in orange here. This is just the way Nike works here in Miami. It's only a one-off tournament. Yeah it's a bit different. I like to change and mix it up from a shirt with a collar to T-shirts at times, because that's how I kind of came up in the tour level, as well. I had all different styles and colors always, and I'd like to keep that going. I like the freshness of mixing it up a bit. I don't know, I hope fans like it; and if they don't, then the French -- clay court season is coming up shortly.But I like it, so it's all good. I approved it like one-and-a-half years ago, so it's fine. It's really nice."
Federer plays Olivier Rochus, who defeated Mikhail Youzhny 1-6, 6-3, 6-3. Federer described Rochus as a small guy to Tennis Channel.
More match photos- Click here!