World No. 1 Roger Federer’s remarkable run continued as he booked his quarter-final berth in the ATP Indian Wells Masters with a 7-5, 6-4 win over Jeremy Chardy on Wednesday.
The 36-year-old Federer, who won his 20th Grand Slam when he captured the Australian Open in January, is off to one of his strongest career starts and is now 15-0 in 2018.
It is his best beginning to the season since 2006 when he started 16-0 and won 33 of his first 34 matches.
“It has been great. But it is a totally different year, and so many years after,” he said.
“For so many years I have felt good actually in Australia.
“I don’t know if it’s Australia per se or, taking the benefits from the hard work I put into the new season.”
Federer, who also won at Rotterdam in February, is gunning for a record sixth Indian Wells title.
“Yeah, and then also Rotterdam was great. I was very happy that I was able to win the tournament there, not just get to the semis and get world No. 1.
“And here now I’m relieved that I was able to win three matches already. Because in a big, tough draw like here at Indian Wells, you’re never quite sure what to expect.
“So I’m just happy I’m on a good run.”
The defending Indian Wells champion Federer put on a serving clinic against Chardy as he hit two aces and won 100 percent of his first serve points. He dropped just three serve points overall with those coming on his second serve.
Federer advances to the quarter-finals where he will face South Korea’s Chung Hyeon who defeated 30th-seeded Pablo Cuevas 6-1, 6-3 earlier on Wednesday.
