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Roger Federer fools opponent with act of 'pure genius'

Playing in his first tournament since Wimbledon, Roger has stunned the crowd in Cincinnati with a magical move.

World No.2 Federer, bidding for his eighth Cincinnati Open title, outlasted Leonardo Mayer of Argentina 6-1 7-6 (8-6) in the third round, but it was a shot early in the first set which had the crowd in awe.

After a superb drop shot, Fed had Mayer rushing at the net.

The Swiss star was forced onto the back foot however after a powerful shot by the Argentine int the corner.

Proving he’s lost no form in his first tournament since Wimbledon, Federer reached at full stretch and playing a perfect passing shot into the opposite corner.

Roger Federer was too good for Leonardo Mayer. Pic: Getty/Tennis TV
Roger Federer was too good for Leonardo Mayer. Pic: Getty/Tennis TV

“This, was pure genius,” one commentator said.

From there, Federer’s dominance continued, he lost just four first-serve points and did not face a break point in the match.

Mayer had a chance to force a third set, but Federer held on to win his third consecutive meeting with the Argentine as players double up in matches in the rain-delayed tournament.

Federer will face compatriot Stan Wawrinka in the quarter-finals later in the day.

Wawrinka beat Marton Fucsovics of Hungary 6-4 6-3 in their third-round match.

Switzeland’s Roger Federer will face Stan Wawrinka in the Cincinnati Open quarter-finals
Switzeland’s Roger Federer will face Stan Wawrinka in the Cincinnati Open quarter-finals

“It’s been a while since I’ve played two matches in one day. Apparently it was 2004,” Federer told ESPN.

“I did play a lot of practice twice a day so if I won’t be ready for today, I’ll never be ready.

“Playing against Stan obviously is a treat. Ten years ago and two days ago we won the Olympic gold together and we’re still playing … I’m very excited to play against him and it’s great for him, I’m happy to see him back again.”

Mayer’s compatriot Juan Martin del Potro and Serb Novak Djokovic also advanced.

Fourth seed Del Potro overcame Australian Nick Kyrgios 7-6(4) 6-7(6) 6-2 and former world No.1 Djokovic, the 10th seed, ousted defending champion Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria 2-6 6-3 6-4.

Del Potro will play Belgian David Goffin in the quarter-finals.

Goffin did not face a break point in defeating sixth seed Kevin Anderson of South Africa 6-2 6-4 in 76 minutes.

Djokovic returned to the court after rain halted play on Thursday with a break lead in the third set and completed the win.

He will take on Canadian Milos Raonic in the quarter-finals, also on Friday.

Former Cincinnati champion Marin Cilic survived a rain-delayed three-setter, the Croatian battling past Toronto semi-finalist Karen Khachanov 7-6 (7-5) 3-6 6-4.