Roger Federer told reporters in Rome on Tuesday that he stepped up his clay-court training in preparing for the Italian Open and his work was apparent in a straight set victory over Spain's Nicolas Almagro who he struggled to beat in three tough sets a year ago.
"I wasn't too happy when I saw the draw come out because he's a great clay-courter and a very dangerous player on any surface," Federer during a post-match press conference. "So to come through convincingly in two sets, not being broken and both times racing away with the lead with an early break, was perfect."
According to the AP, after losing the Monte Carlo Masters final to Rafael Nadal in April, Federer took just one day off before resuming training at home in Switzerland with hitting partner Jonathan Eysseric who is the top-ranked junior in France. Federer arrived in Rome more than a week ago for more clay-court training, and said he has worked out four to five hours per day.
"I'm trying to get into the best possible shape," he said. "I've been practicing a bit harder this year than last year."