Miami Open: Federer blows away del Potro

Miami, March 28

Roger Federer powered his way into the fourth round of the Miami Open with a 6-3 6-4 win over Argentina’s Juan Martin del Potro at Key Biscayne on Monday.

Del Potro always enjoys plenty of crowd support in Miami, which has a large Argentine community, and it was the same story again with chants of support ringing out for the 28-year-old on a packed Crandon Park center court crowd.

Federer was forced to save four break points in the first set, but he got ahead with a thundering forehand to take a 5-3 lead and served out for the set. The Argentine had a chance to turn things around when he had a break point when down 4-3 in the second set but Federer, moving well and looking full of confidence, held firm and wrapped up the match in one hour and 22 minutes.

Venus all smiles after straight-set win

Venus Williams had every reason to smile as she defeated Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-3 7-6(4) to advance to the quarterfinals. Williams, who will next play Angelique Kerber after the top seed cruised by Japanese qualifier Risa Ozaki 6-2 6-2, is a three-time champion in Miami.

Second seed Karolina Pliskova also reached the quarterfinals as she beat 15th-seeded Czech compatriot Barbora Strycova 6-1 6-4.

French Open champion Garbine Muguruza retired from her match with Caroline Wozniacki after dropping the first set. Third seed Simona Halep overcame Samantha Stosur 4-6 7-5 6-2. — Agencies