Federer defeats the ‘miracle man’
Federer defeats the ‘miracle man’ 
From correspondents in Paris, France
Former Australian Captain May 31, 2007
ROGER Federer survived a late hiccup before easing into the French Open third round today, defeating French wildcard Thierry Ascione 6-1 6-2 7-6 (10-8).
Federer, bidding to win the only grand slam crown to elude him, needed six match points to set up a tie against Italian player Potito Starace for a place in the last 16.
The world No.1 and No.1 seed was
playing for the third day in a row after heavy rain forced his opening-round match against Michael Russell from the US to carry into a second day.
But he showed no signs of fatigue as he swept through the first set in just 22 minutes, carving out two breaks and allowing the hapless Frenchman just four points on his serve before claiming the opener with an ace.
The second set was a similar tale.
Ascione, the world No.168 who described himself as a “miracle man” after escaping death in a road accident last November, won just five points off the Federer serve.
Federer took a two-set lead with a smash, the players having been on court for just 48 minutes.
He broke Ascione once again to claim a 2-1 lead in the third set with a majestic running, backhand pass, but the Frenchman was determined not to go down without a fight.
Ascione saved two match points in the 10th game and then grabbed the elusive break back to level the score at 5-5.
He saved three more match points in the ensuing tiebreak, and even had two set points.
But Federer, not keen to play four days in succession, recovered his composure to take the tie when Ascione netted a weak forehand.
Agence France-Presse