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World no. 3 and two-time Shanghai champion Roger Federer is through to the third round, beating Albert Ramos-Vinolas 6-2, 7-6 in an hour and 24 minutes. In their previous match here in Shanghai, Albert defeated Roger four years ago and had the opportunity to at least send the clash into a tie break today as well, leading 4-1 in the second set tie break before Federer claimed six of the last seven points to seal the deal in straight sets and score the 380th Masters 1000 victory.
The Swiss had 32 winners and 31 unforced errors, struggling a little bit to avoid the mistakes but doing enough in the end to prevail and celebrate the 22nd victory at this event. The Spaniard survived five deuces and two break points in the opening game of the encounter, prevailing with a service winner and staying in touch until 2-2 when Roger took charge to build the advantage.
Federer forced an error from the opponent in that fifth game to grab a break, claiming another one at 4-2 with a forehand winner and closing the opener with three winners in game eight for a 6-2 lead. Nothing could have separated them in the second set, delivering 12 solid holds to set up a tie break where Albert grabbed the first point following a backhand error from Roger.
The Swiss netted a volley in the second point to fall behind, finding himself 4-1 down after more backhand mistakes and having no room for errors in the rest of the breaker. Powerful forehands brought Federer back to 3-4, scoring a mini-break with a volley winner to level the score at 4-4 and staying in touch with another forehand winner in the tenth point.
Another direct point from his forehand pushed Roger 6-5 up and the match was in his hands thanks to a smash winner in the next point that carried him over the top.