Federer Makes It to Eighth French Open Quarterfinal

Roger Federer has not played a match beyond three sets so far at Roland Garros, and made it to his eighth French Open quarterfinal on Sunday. He hit eight aces, including one to end the match, and 32 winners to defeat fellow Swiss player and doubles partner, Stanislas Wawrinka, 6-3, 6-2, 7-5. Federer also converted five of six break points but had 25 unforced errors to his opponent's 22.

This is Federer's record 28th major quarterfinal. He could meet David Ferrer or Gael Monfils, but the real test is yet to come when he will likely face Novak Djokovic in the semifinals.

Federer remains confident and does not fear either Djokovic or Rafael Nadal, despite that he is not considered the favorite.

Federer told the media, "I don't think this is the first year, I'm not the favorite. People expected me to hopefully win or to prove myself here in Paris over many, many years and this year I don't have to do that because I have already won this tournament before. Now the expectations are sky high for Novak and Rafa, because he is the defending champion. That leaves me a little bit out of the pressure of the situation- which is not a bad thing for me. I have had pressure for the last seven years."

The World No. 3 had several celebrities watching him from the audience including basketball star Tony Parker, French Education minister Luc Chatel, French actor Jacques Weber, and President of the French Tennis Federation Jean Gachassin.  

Tennis Now

Lauren Lynch is a correspondent for Bleacher Report.  Unless otherwise noted, all quotes were obtained first-hand or from official interview materials.