Madrid Open 2012 Scores: Roger Federer Will Continue to Cruise in Madrid

Roger Federer is making quick work of the opposition in Madrid, and in the process, is looking like a champion again.

Federer dispatched Richard Gasquet in the third round of the 2012 Madrid Open with ease. Winning a match 6-3, 6-2 in less than an hour is something that many players can’t do, but Federer appears to be in the zone.

Not only is Federer playing for the Madrid championship, an opportunity to claim the No. 2 ranking from Rafael Nadal just materialized thanks to Nadal’s defeat at the hands of Fernando Verdasco.

Federer would likely have to win the entire tournament to claim the spot, but it’s not entirely out of the question.

Federer is playing an elite brand of tennis right now, which could allow him to win the entire tournament, en route to Rome and then the French Open. He hasn’t won a Grand Slam since 2010, but now could be his time.

There have been claims of Federer dropping off in ability because he is 30 years old, but those claims are unfounded. He’s still athletic enough to get to any ball hit his way. Federer took some time off during the offseason which has allowed him to be at his best.

Federer has also held a veteran-like attitude throughout the course of the tournament. While other top players such as Nadal and Novak Djokovic have publicly complained about the now-infamous blue clay, Federer hasn’t said a peep.

Federer has kept his focus on tennis, where it should be. Other top players are allowing distractions to impact their games, just ask Nadal why he’s now an observer rather than a participant.

Looking ahead, Federer’s next match will be with David Ferrer. Federer holds a 12-0 record against the Spaniard. He shouldn’t have any issue dispatching Federer if he continues to play the way he has as of late.

The match everyone now wants to see if Federer vs. Djokovic, the No. 1 seed in the tournament. Luckily for fans, the two will play in the next round if both advance. Djokovic has been dominant as well so far, so the potential match could be a classic.

Even with Djokovic playing well, Federer could still defeat him. Federer is simply on another level right now. He’s a veteran with the perfect attitude and enough athleticism to play with anyone. If Federer keeps unforced errors to a minimum, there isn’t a player in Madrid that can beat him.

Even with an impending showdown with the No. 1 player in the world, Federer shouldn’t be rattled. Federer has enough experience to realize that Madrid is simply a launch-pad to success in the French Open.

That means Federer is going to continue bringing his best to build positive momentum for the big tournament in two weeks.

That’s bad news for everyone still standing in his way at Madrid.  

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