Federer survives Massu test to reach fourth round

PARIS, June 2 (Reuters) Roger Federer handed Olympic champion Nicolas Massu a reality check with a 6-1 6-2 6-7 7-5 victory in the third round of the French Open today.

The pony-tailed Chilean had the distinction of entering the match with the most claycourt wins on the men's circuit in 2006 but that statistic counted for little against Federer.

The Swiss world number one, aiming to become only the third man to hold all four grand slam titles at once, effortlessly dismantled Massu's game and confidence during the first two sets.

Federer offered Massu a glimmer of hope when he lost the third set tiebreak 7-4 and trailed love-40 in the opening game of the fourth.

That advantage was quickly snuffed out by Federer, who unleashed a series of backhand and forehand winners to hold serve and he wrapped up the match when his opponent slapped a back hand into the net after two hours and 35 minutes.

Federer will next face Czech Tomas Berdych for a place in the quarter-finals.

Reuters PDS VP0143