Roger Federer: Alex Corretja gives verdict on French Open form and reveals clay adjustment

Federer eased into the third round of Roland Garros with a 6-4 6-3 6-4 win over Germany’s Oscar Otte.

The Swiss star will now face 20-year-old Next Gen star Casper Ruud on Friday.

Federer has said he is relishing the fact he is an outsider to win the tournament and the lack of pressure appears to be paying off for him.

And Eurosport tennis expert and two-time Roland Garros runner-up Corretja reckons Federer is starting to enjoy himself on clay.

“I think it is important for Roger Federer to play these kind of matches right now because the first round was not a test, today he at least had to think a little more,” he said.

“He had to make some variations to his game. He served very well. I like what is doing with his forehand a lot.

“He is a lot more precise, he is not making that many mistakes. He is putting a lot of top spin and then he goes a lot flatter.

“I think Roger is starting to enjoy clay again and that is good for everyone.”

Ruud is through to the third round for the first time in his career after beating Italian Matteo Berrettini 6-4 7-5 6-3.

The Norwegian’s father and coach Christian played on the tour when Federer was first emerging.

And the Swiss admits he knows more about the father than son.

“I know probably more about his dad than about him. Even though I never played him, the father,” Federer said.

“I know that [Casper has] improved a lot in recent years, and I think he plays very well on the clay.

“Again, I haven’t seen him play a whole lot. But for any 20-year-old to be on the big stage, playing a top guy, on a centre court, that’s what you dream of.

“By the scoreline against Berrettini, seems like he did his work, and he deserves to be in the third round.

“I will take him very seriously.”

Watch every minute and match from Roland-Garros 2019 live – anytime and anywhere – on Eurosport and the Eurosport Player.

source: express.co.uk