PARIS — Roger Federer avoided any more security scares as he moved smoothly into the third round of the French Open on Wednesday but danger still lurks in the bottom half of the draw, namely in the shape of Japan's Kei Nishikori.
While second seed Federer was beating Spain's Marcel Granollers 6-2 7-6(1) 6-3 on Court Suzanne Lenglen, Nishikori was given centre stage on Court Phillipe Chatrier and produced further evidence as to why he is being tipped as a potential champion.
The 25-year-old fifth seed was handed a tough test by left-handed Brazilian claycourt specialist Thomaz Bellucci but passed it with flying colours, winning 7-5 6-4 6-4 to reach the third round for only the second time.