Roger Federer: Why I have Italian Open advantage over Borna Coric
ROGER FEDERER reckons he may have an advantage over Borna Coric heading into their third-round match this afternoon.
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Federer wasted no time is sweeping past Joao Sousa 6-4, 6-3 in his opening match this morning.
Because of the torrential rain yesterday, Federer will have to return to action later today.
And he believes now he has had a feel for the courts it may help him get a better start against Coric.
The Croatian completed his second-round tie on Tuesday so will have to be quickly to adapt to the conditions.
“I think it gives me some good information and I believe it is going to be similar conditions this afternoon,” Federer said.
“The interesting thing is I played today, is that an advantage? Is it a disadvantage?
“Borna is tough. I lost a couple of times to him last year.
“Regardless of the surface I know it is going to be tough.”
Federer has around four hours to rest to recover before he is expected to return to action.
The Swiss star will be a rare appearance on court Grandstand around 5pm BST.
“I think like every other practice session when you play twice a day,” Federer said of his plans for the next few hours.
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“You finish one session, go take a shower, go eat something, relax and get ready for the next one.
“The good thing is this one was not too physical.”
Coric beat Felix Auger-Aliassime and Cameron Norrie to reach the third round.