Indian Wells Flashback: Roger Federer storms over Filip Krajinovic in 58 minutes

• Tennis News
• Roger Federer

World no. 1 Roger Federer remained on the title defense course in Indian Wells 2018 following a 6-2, 6-1 triumph over Filip Krajinovic. Roger needed 58 minutes to sail into the fourth round, playing much better than in the previous encounter against Federico Delbonis and controlling the pace.

Federer lost serve in the early stages and made a quick recovery with five return games on his tally that carried him over the top. Roger was excellent in set number two, and he was hoping to keep that level in the upcoming matches, reach the semis and defend the ATP throne against Rafael Nadal.

The Swiss fired 24 winners and ten unforced errors. Krajinovic could not match that pace, struggling from the backhand wing and failing to drive Federer away from the comfort zone and impose his strokes.

Roger Federer defeated Filip Krajinovic in 2018 Indian Wells.

Roger secured the 59th Indian Wells triumph and improved his score in 2018 to 14-0 to find himself in the last 16 for the 12th time in the desert.

Federer grabbed a break at 15 in the encounter's second game following Krajinovic's backhand mistake. The Serb pulled the break back in the next one after a loose forehand from the Swiss to return to the positive side. Struggling to find free points or impose his strokes behind the initial shot, Filip defended two break points in game four to stay in touch and lock the result at 2-2.

It was all about Roger in the rest of the clash, as he rattled off ten of the last 11 games to sail over the top. Federer held at love in games five and seven to keep the pressure on the other side and grabbed a break in game six for 4-2.

The world's leading player wrapped up the set with another break in game eight, taking 11 straight points for 6-2 in 31 minutes. With a boost on his side, the Swiss kicked off the second set with a break in game two and confirmed it with the fourth consecutive hold at love that sent him 3-0 ahead.

With nothing more left in the tank, Filip got broken in game six after a forehand error, drifting further away from a positive result. Serving at 5-1, Roger painted four service winners to emerge at the top in style and continue into the last 16.