On the outskirts of Lisbonne took place the ATP tennis tournament of Estoril. Nice little tournament, where it is difficult to buy a tournament T-shirt. 
Federer decided to play at this rather minor tournament to get some practive on clay. On Friday, his quarter-final opponent was the local player Frederico Gil. It was the first time that a Portuguese player took on a World Number 1.
The spectators were nonetheless very supportive of Federer. Not so many people were waving flags, probably because the weather was unsettled to say the least. Federer's game was interrupted three times (!) by showers.
In the end, Federer prevailed 6-4 and 6-1. He was as usual very light on his feet, although he was not yet sliding like one should on clay. He made some very nice shots and his balls had much speed on his forehand. We saw a few aces, some volleys and a couple of long rallies. Good practice game. Federer bettered the record of his girlfriend who managed a quarter final there a few years ago. Federer mentioned that she was angry at him that she did not come to the stadium today. Good player with a good sense of humour.
Later on Friday, World Number 4 Davydenko also won his game, but with more difficulties. Eventually he was the one who faced Federer in the final played on Sunday. Federer won after Davydenko gave up in the second set for obscure reasons.
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