Roger Federer: Juan Monaco Match Ensures Federer Has Fresh Legs in Quarterfinals

Roger Federer is one tennis legend who could use a night off.

The Swiss star received the closest thing to a bye game in his match with Juan Monaco. 

Juan Monaco and Federer were demanded to have a midnight showing at the US Open. By the time the match ended, it was clear only one of the players was sleepy. 

Roger Federer barely broke a sweat as he took it to Monaco, 6-1, 6-2, 6-0 . Monaco was a tad slower to balls, and was on his heels all game. 

Federer was on his game all night, controlling the pace with accurate shots that Monaco could only watch as they whizzed by. 

Despite the late start, Federer looked poised—and above all, driven. Federer brought his A-game at midnight. He wanted nothing more than to make this late start an early match, and he did just that. 

Patience was not the call of the night, as Federer dropped aces and devastating volleys that had Monaco wincing and gasping for air. 

Now, Federer heads to the quarterfinals with the most important thing you can get at this point at the US Open—fresh legs. It is a blessing rarely afforded in the fourth round. 

The looming figure wishing to do him in is Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

The 26-year old has to be taxed from a marathon match that saw him upset American hopeful Mardy Fish, 6-4, 6-7 (5-7), 3-6, 6-4, 6-2. 

Tsonga last played Federer in the ATP Rogers Cup where he took down Federer. It will be a spirited match that will take every last ounce of savvy from Federer. 

The tennis legend has been placed in the category of elder statesman. Whether he is too old to capture Grand Slam glory hinges on vital rest he can get throughout the tourney. 

Somehow, Federer managed to get that in a late match on Tuesday morning.