Federer raises game to reach third round

PARIS, May 31 (Reuters) World number one Roger Federer raised his game today to hammer Colombian lucky loser Alejandro Falla 6-1 6-4 6-3 and reach the third round of the French Open.

The Swiss top seed, looking to win the only grand slam title to elude him so far, kept his concentration amid three rain interruptions to set up a clash with Chilean 32nd seed Nicolas Massu or big-serving Belarussian Max Mirnyi.

Federer had struggled past Argentine qualifier Diego Hartfield in round one but against the left-handed Falla, the world number 139, he raced through the first set in just 20 minutes.

Falla, who won only three games in their only previous meeting at Wimbledon in 2004, fell a break down in the second set but had three chances to break back for 4-4.

Federer dashed his hopes, taking the second set and then easing through the third for a comfortable victory.

REUTERS PG HS2107