Federer back in the groove to beat Ferrero

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HAMBURG, May 17 (Reuters) Roger Federer was back to his ruthless best to beat Spanish claycourt specialist Juan Carlos Ferrero 6-2 6-3 and reach the Hamburg Masters quarter-finals today.

The world number one, who has gone four tournaments without a title and split with coach Tony Roche at the weekend, needed just an hour to defeat the former French Open champion.

''I felt very good out there,'' said Federer, who had looked anything but convincing the previous day in a scratchy three-set win over Argentine qualifier Juan Monaco.

''I was pumped up and happy. I think the tight match yesterday must have helped.'' Federer has not looked happy very often since winning his last title in Dubai in February but he had every reason to be satisfied today.

He broke for 4-2 with a disguised backhand chipped down the line and clinched the first set with a dipping crosscourt winner that again left Ferrero wrong-footed.

The Swiss saved a break point at the start of the second and moved 2-0 up when he played a perfect drop shot to set up the break and then came into the net to take it.

Federer will go on to face another Spanish claycourter, 12th seed David Ferrer, and he is feeling confident as he has won all six of their previous meetings.

''I have a very good record against Ferrer,'' he said. ''I'm always surprised at how comfortably I've been able to beat him.

I've never even dropped a set and if I keep up this level I've definitely got a chance.'' Federer, the world number one since February 2004, has won the Hamburg title twice but it is the Spaniard Rafael Nadal who is the favourite here this year, as he will be at the French Open starting later this month.

Reuters BDP VV2219