[Official website of the tournament]
Fernando defeated his friend Nicolas Massu in three sets, the match seemed to be very interesting, but unfortunately, I was unable to watch it. Fernando won 6-7(4), 6-3, y 6-4, the match lasted 3 hours !!! It will be good for Fernando’s confidence, he needs some good matches like that to come back at his top level !! Next match vs Chela who defeated easily Andy Roddick. The top of the draw is open now that Federer lost. A good chance to Fernando to go very far this week in the Italian capital.
In the quarters, Fernando defeated Chela in straights sets 6/3 6/4, and reached his best result in the Roma tournament of his career, he was quarter finalist last year.
In the semis, Fernando def. the suprise Italian, Filippo Volandri, who defeated Roger Federer. Fernando won easily in straights sets 6/1 6/2, reaching his second final of the year, after the Australian Open. It will be his first final in Roma. Fernando will face in the final, Rafael Nadal.
Final : Fernando wasn’t able to stop the player from Mallorca, Rafael won his 77th victory on clay. Well, Fernando, as usual is not lucky, when Federer is out, he has to face Nadal. Fernando lost 2/6 2/6.
After his match, Fernando said : ” I lost the match, but he played very well. It’s tough when your rival is very easy on the court and that you don’t feel very well, especially when you play against him. The clay is his best surface and the hard courts are maybe my favourites surfaces”.
About his week in Roma : ” It was a good week for me, especially because a few weeks ago I was playing bad on this surface. Maybe, I had a fall after Australia, I haven’t planned to play so much tournaments, but I didn’t feel ready to compete. My tennis is fine, I’m feeling well, but I don’t know what happened. It’s for that, that this week is very important. I feel that I came back and I’m ready to do important things”.
Some interviews with Fernando available to download
Rome (10.05.07), english – spanish
Rome (11.05.07), english – spanish
Rome (12.05.07), english – spanish
Rome (13.05.07), english – spanish
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