In the wee hours Thursday morning, Roger Federer easily recounted his 17th win against Andy Roddick in 19 meetings in the quarterfinals of the Sony Ericsson Open. He struggled to recall the last time he'd won one of the ATP Tour's premier events.
Yes, it has been that long.
"I don't remember the last one I won exactly," said Federer, a 13-time Grand Slam champion. "Against James?"
The Swiss star guessed correctly, referring to American James Blake in the final at Cincinnati in August 2007.
For the second time in as many tournaments, Federer is in striking distance of an ATP Masters 1000 title. Two weeks ago at Indian Wells, Calif., the world No. 2 made the semifinals but fell to fourth-ranked Andy Murray of Scotland.
Wednesday, he needed some of his best stuff - including a lucky net cord winner to set up match point - to get by improved Roddick 6-3, 4-6, 6-4. Next up is a semifinal clash with No. 3 Novak Djokovic of Serbia.
During his record 237-week reign at No. 1 that began in February 2004, Federer racked up Masters crowns at a torrid pace. With titles here in 2005 and '06 and 14 total, he ranks second behind Andre Agassi (17).
At 27, Federer has tailored his schedule to peak at the majors as he chases Pete Sampras' record of 14. Last year he reached three of four Grand Slam finals and won the U.S. Open but failed to win a Masters title for the first season since 2003. His drought at the tour's top events has given the impression that Federer is less focused on tournaments outside the four majors. He rejects that line of thought.
"I don't like to say it's all about the majors," said Federer, whose first child will be born this summer. "Of course, it's there where the history books are written for me. ... Of course, I use the schedule trying to peak for the majors. But at the same time, there's enough other tournaments where I can do well and want to do well. I have too much respect for tournament directors and fans and media, and I will always give it my best."
Federer said winning six matches as required at a Masters event across seven to eight days vs. the seven needed in a two-week Slam is in some ways more taxing.
"Look, I've always actually thought, even when I was coming up, that the Super 9s, Masters Series or Masters 1000s are the toughest ones to win almost because you've going to beat so many top guys in a short period of time," he said.
Federer, title-less so far in 2009, is 7-2 in his career vs. Djokovic and won their last meeting in the semifinals in New York.
In Thursday's quarterfinal, top-seeded Rafael Nadal fell to Juan Martin Del Potro 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (7-3).
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