Best is yet to come, warns happy Federer

WORLD number one Roger Federer has warned there is much more to come from him after cruising past the Czech Republic’s 20th seed Tomas Berdych to reach the French Open quarter-finals.

The 24-year-old Swiss player, who is bidding to become only the sixth man in history to win all four grand slam titles, thrashed his opponent 6-3 6-2 6-3 on Philippe Chatrier centre court to progress to the quarter-finals.

“I had a great feeling about today, I performed a very good match from the start until the end, I am very happy,” said Federer, “I now feel I am really getting into the tournament.

“My form can only get better from now onwards and the next rounds should get very interesting.”

Federer will next play against Croatia’s Mario Ancic who triumphed over seventh seed Tommy Robredo of Spain after a five-set battle earlier in the day.

The 12th seed vomited and had cramp in the fifth set but still prevailed 6-4 4-6 2-6 6-4 7-5.

“What a match he played!” said Federer about his next opponent.

“It’s a little bit of a surprise he got through but he’s been playing well on clay. I won’t underestimate him, he is going to be a tough player.”

Ancic meanwhile was ecstatic at getting through.

“It was a crazy match especially because of the fifth set,” said Ancic, whose best record in a grand slam event is a semi-final in Wimbledon in 2004.

“I threw up because of the rallies and the high intensity of the match, and then we both had cramps. Winning was something.”

Ancic has enjoyed relatively good success on clay after reaching the quarter-finals in Rome and the semis in Hamburg.

“I believe that I am a better player,” added the 22-year-old who featured in Croatia’s Davis Cup winning team last December.

“I am improving and winning a couple of matches on that surface gave me confidence.

“I am also a fighter. Even if I have a bad day when nothing works, I fight. I would never give up on any point. That’s how I am.”

World number one Amelie Mauresmo insists she is ‘keeping things in perspective’ after failing to reach the quarter-finals.

The Frenchwoman bowed out after a 6-7 (5) 6-1 6-2 loss to the Czech Republic’s 16th seed Nicole Vaidisova on the Philippe Chatrier centre court.

“I am disappointed to have lost at home but I put things into perspective,” said the 2006 Australian Open winner, “I had a good start to the year, it’s a difficult moment, but that’s the way it is.”

Mauresmo, who conceded she suffered a lapse of form in the second set, also admitted her limits on clay.

“Considering my results, I impose my game better on hard (court),” she said.

“Whether or not I can ever win titles on that surface (clay) is a good question. It might happen but it is going to be more difficult.

Vaidisova, meanwhile, has reached the quarter-finals of a grand slam for the first time in her young career and was thrilled by her performance.

“I have never reached the quarter-finals of a grand slam and I had never beaten a world number one either. I felt great out there; this is definitely my best match,” said the 17-year-old

“I am happy with the way I played. I knew I had to be aggressive and play fast. I also served very well.”

Vaidisova will next take on Venus Williams, who praised the solidity of her game after battling back from a set down to eventually win 4-6 6-3 6-2 over seventh seed of Switzerland, Patty Schnyder.

“I’m excited to have worked my way here,” said the American 11th seed.

“Like I said previously, it’s really about stepping it up at the right time. I was fortunate enough to do that today in the second set.

“No matter what level I am playing at, to know that I can take it to the next level is a secure feeling. I feel good and that’s really what counts when you are in a tournament.”

World number two Kim Clijsters had no problem making it into the last eight after hammering Slovakia’s 15th seed Daniela Hantuchova, 6-1 6-4.

“A match never goes too easy,” she said, “She did take some risks on my serve and wrong-footed me a couple of times. But luckily enough I served well and it helped me a lot.

“I feel it’s getting better every match, but I still have been consistent throughout a whole match,” she added, “The better your opponents get, the more you have to raise your level.”

Earlier on Sunday, 14th seed Dinara Safina ousted fourth seed and fellow Russian Maria Sharapova in three sets after battling back from a 5-1 deficit in the third.

Safina will take on eighth seed Svetlana Kuznetsova, who beat Italy’s ninth seed Francesca Schiavone in three sets.

Germany’s 13th seed Ana-Lena Groenefeld also qualified for the quarter-finals with a 6-3 6-4 victory over Argentina’s Gisela Dulko.