Error-Prone Federer Still Advances

oger Federer continued his quest to reach a 10th consecutive final when he survived a tough three-set battle against diminutive Belgian Olivier Rochus to reach the fourth round of the Pacific Life Open Tuesday.

Federer, who is also chasing a third consecutive title in Indian Wells, made 59 unforced errors but lifted in the final game of the match to break Rochus with a blistering backhand winner down the line to win 3-6, 6-2, 7-5.

The Swiss World No. 1 next meets French teen Richard Gasquet, who last year upset Federer at Masters Series Monte Carlo. Gasquet today defeat Slovak Dominik Hrbaty 6-3, 6-4.

Federer has won 19 of 20 matches against Frenchmen since 2003. Federer, who suffered his only loss of the season to Rafael Nadal two weeks ago in the Dubai final, is 18-1 on the season.

Sixth seed Ivan Ljubicic defeated French teen Gael Monfils 6-3, 6-2. Ljubicic, along with Tommy Haas, has won an ATP-best 19 matches on the season.

Australian Open finalist Marcos Baghdatis upset seventh seed Gaston Gaudio 6-3, 6-2. The former junior World No. 1 is making his Indian Wells debut.

Two-time champion Lleyton Hewitt was also upset by BNP Paribas Masters champion Tomas Berdych 7-5, 6-3. (ATP)