Roger Federer fought back after a disappointing second set to defeat home player Daniel Brands 3-6 6-3 6-2 on his return to action at the German Tennis Championships in Hamburg. The Swiss world number five will face Jan Hajek in the last 16.
Federer broke Brands once in the opening set but then let his German opponent back into the match in the second when he lost serve for the first time. But Federer found his class in the third set, leaving Brands no chance of producing the upset. "It was a tough match, Daniel is playing a very good season," Federer said.
Federer will play Czech qualifier Hajek in the next round after he surprisingly defeated 15th-seeded Ernests Gulbis of Latvia 6-4 2-6 6-4. Home favourite Tommy Haas enjoyed a 6-1 4-6 6-4 winner over Blaz Kavcic, while fourth-seeded Jerzy Janowicz, a Wimbledon semi-finalist, prevailed 6-4 3-6 7-6 (7/4) over Robin Haase of the Netherlands.
Defending champion Juan Monaco had a tough opening match against Gael Monfils but managed to win 6-4 6-4, while four seeded players were defeated in the second round: Andreas Seppi, Tommy Robredo, Mikhail Youzhny and Martin Klizan. Feliciano Lopez, Fabio Fognini and Fernando Verdasco advanced.
Here are the tournament outright odds at Bet365:
Roger Federer - 1/1
Tommy Haas - 5/1
Nicolas Almagro - 13/2
Jerzy Janowicz - 10/1
Juan Monaco - 12/1
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