Roger Federer, the world’s No. 1 player, rallied, winning the final three games and final six points Saturday night, to edge Nikolay Davydenko 6-2, 3-6, 7-5 in the second round of the Nasdaq-100 Open in Key Biscayne, Fla.
Federer won despite 36 unforced errors, including a handful of ugly mishits. He failed to convert five consecutive break-point chances in the final set before a forehand winner down the line gave him a 6-5 lead, and he then served out the two-hour match at love.
Vince Spadea pulled off one upset and may be on the verge of another. Playing himself into contention for a spot on the U.S. Davis Cup team, Spadea edged Marat Safin 7-6 (7), 6-7 (4), 6-4.
The victory came on the heels of Spadea’s first tournament title in Scottsdale two weeks ago. At age 29, the 14-year pro would be an improbable choice for the Davis Cup squad that will face Sweden next month.
Andy Roddick, who will lead the U.S. team against Sweden, showed he’s ready for Davis Cup–and perhaps a title run at Key Biscayne. Seeded No. 2, he overpowered Karol Beck 6-2, 6-4.
On the women’s side, No. 2 Venus Williams successfully began her bid for a fourth Key Biscayne title. She double-faulted six times but beat Jie Zheng 6-4, 6-4.
