Tennis-X.com Tabs Federer to Continue U.S. Win Streak in Miami

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JACKSONVILLE, Fla (March 22, 2006) -- World No. 1 Roger Federer hasn't lost a match in the U.S. in approximately 1-1/2 years, an incredible 42 straight matches on American soil.

Since a loss in the first round at the Masters Series Cincinnati to Dominik Hrbaty in 2004, the Swiss has won seven consecutive U.S. tournaments at the 2004 US Open, the 2004 Masters Cup in Houston, in 2005 the MS Indian Wells, the MS Miami, the MS Cincinnati, the US Open again, and in 2006 last week at MS Indian Wells.

With his hardcourt momentum, and a likely two-week break afterwards before he takes to the clay at the Masters Series-Monte Carlo, Tennis-X.com tips Federer to struggle through to a multiple record-breaking week in Miami.

"The draw wasn't kind to Federer, with Arnaud Clement who has beaten Rafael Nadal this year, then Tommy Haas in his second match, but from there on it's pretty smooth until Marat Safin, Lleyton Hewitt, or Andy Roddick as an outside shot in the semis," said Richard Vach, Tennis-X.com Senior Writer. "For you Andy fans, tough times ahead with Andrei Pavel and Fernando Verdasco, two guys he struggles against, then Hewitt or Safin to reach the quarters, but a definite chance to build confidence."

An opening-round win in Miami will also tie Pete Sampras' record of 19 consecutive wins at Masters Series events.

"Federer will give a wry smile and say he doesn't keep track of records," Vach said. "He knows every record, he'll correct journalists who have his number of wins wrong on his streaks. He knows the Miami title will give him a well-deserved rest before his push toward the French Open."

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