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Federer survives scare to progress in Cincinnati

30/07/2008

Roger Federer was forced to come from a set down to beat Robby Ginepri in the second round of the Cincinnati Masters.

The Swiss star, who faces a battle to hold off Rafael Nadal for his world number one spot this week, lost the first set to the American in a tiebreak despite breaking his serve twice.

And Federer's profligacy looked as if it could cost him dearly. Ginepri found himself 6-5 up with serve in the second set to put him on the verge of dumping out the number one seed early on.

This would have virtually ensured Nadal taking over the top spot in the rankings next week, but Federer held his nerve at the crucial time while the home favourite's serve faltered.

The Swiss won the resulting tiebreak 7-5 and snatched the initiative away from a dispirited Ginepri, racing through the deciding set without losing a game for a 6-7 7-6 6-0 victory.