2008 AUSTRALIAN OPEN
2nd
ROGER FEDERER v FABRICE SANTORO
6-1 6-2 6-0
Santoro gives players on the ATP tour fits with his unorthodox technique and fantastic shotmaking. But Federer shows that his technique is unquestionably the best by breezing past a difficult
opponent like it was an exhibition match. Santoro tried everything against Federer, and continued to sprint from corner to corner in the hope that Federer might actually miss a shot. But Federer
just continued to apply pressure, like a boa constrictor snake until Santoro wilted under the constant pressure.
Without a win against Federer since 2002, the tour veteran chased down everything, raising his arms in triumph after producing one fantastic return that forced his rival into a rare error.
He also produced a between-the-legs shot, throwing his racquet in good-humored exasperation when Federer still managed to win the point.
Even on match point Santoro, nicknamed 'The Magician', managed to draw a laugh from the crowd when he held Federer's serve up, feigning fatigue. Federer showed his appreciation by jumping the net and embracing his opponent at the end of a short but entertaining match.
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