Flurry of aces helps Roger Federer advance at the Miami Open.
Roger Federer knew he had things going his way at the Miami Open on Monday when he hit three shots off his frame during a wild 17-stroke exchange and still won the point because Filip Krajinovic dumped a half volley into the net. Krajinovic quickly grabbed the ball and flipped it over the net as if continuing the rally, which drew cheers from the crowd and a smile from Federer. A little lucky and really good, Federer won 7-5, 6-3 to reach the fourth round. He improved to 14-2 this year, signaling he’s a threat to win his fourth Miami title. He’ll next play No. 13 Daniil Medvedev, who won a battle of dominating serves against 6-foot-11 qualifier Reilly Opelka, 7-6 (5), 6-7 (5), 7-6 (0). There were no service breaks but plenty of aces — 19 by Medvedev and 22 by Opelka. Among those departing in the women’s fourth round were Venus Williams and Indian Wells champion Bianca Andreescu. Williams lost to No. 2-seeded Simona Halep 6-3, 6-3, and Andreescu retired with a right shoulder injury while trailing Anett Kontaveit 6-1, 2-0. Andreescu said she will skip the tournament next week in Charleston, S.C., but plans to play the Fed Cup on April 20-21. Halep and Kontaveit were joined in the quarterfinals by Petra Kvitova, who faced only one break point and beat Caroline Garcia 6-3, 6-3. Kvitova, a two-time Wimbledon champion, is ranked a career-high No. 2 and will rise to No. 1 if she wins the title. No. 1 Naomi Osaka lost in the third round.