Federer Passes Clement Test

Former champion Roger Federer saved one set point in the first-set tie-break against former Top 10 Frenchman Arnaud Clement in a 7-6(7), 6-2 victory on Friday for a place in the Estoril Open semi-finals.

Federer, who is six weeks shy of breaking Pete Sampras’ all-time record of 286 weeks at No. 1 in the South African Airways ATP Rankings, triumphed 7-6(7), 6-2 in one hour and 38 minutes.

“I got off to a bad start in the first game, falling to 0/30 then he played a great passing shot,” said Federer. “I missed a couple of chances at 3-3.

“I didn’t play beautiful tennis. I had to play safe, which isn’t something I’m used to doing. I have always struggled against him and today you could see that.”

Federer will next challenge defending champion and fourth-seeded Spaniard Albert Montanes, who knocked out eighth seed Pablo Cuevas of Uruguay 6-4, 6-3 in 90 minutes.

Watch Video --> Roger Federer Interview: Estoril Open 05-08-10