A very nice start for Roger, an easy victory against clay court specialist Carlos Berlocq 6-3 6-4. He managed to adapt quickly to the different conditions and the slow red clay compared to Madrid. There were not really any problems after it was looking that Roger might withdraw from Rome due to preparations for Roland Garros and Wimbledon.
Roger started extremely well, breaking Berlocq's serve and taking the first set 6-3. A good strategy from Roger by coming into the net as he won 18 out of 23 points there. In the end, Berlocq couldn't maintain his performance and Federer comfortably won the match. "I have a good win under my belt and I might be No. 3 next week, but that doesn't matter for me and Rafa," he said. "I know it is an interesting time right now and that there is a lot to talk about rankings. I know that I have a shot until the US Open with the [No. 1 South African Airways ATP] Rankings and you will see."
