As he reiterated in the beginning of the new season, Roger Federer is right on the track to reclaim his numero-uno position in the ATP Rankings. The sixteen times Grand Slam champion has proved once again why he is always a force to be reckoned with – and you can never count him out amidst stiff competition. Madrid Masters champion Federer will take on World No. 38 Carlos Berlocq of Argentina to secure his berth in the last sixteen of the 2012 ATP Rome Masters.

After lingering on No. 3 position for substantial time, Roger Federer supplanted his greatest nemesis Rafael Nadal from No. 2 position this week – after his sensational win in the last week’s Madrid Masters. Federer is bidding for 75th career title and has a stellar 28-3 win-loss record for the new season. The Swiss ace has already claimed four titles this season and the way he has been playing of late, once again he has emerged as the biggest threat for Nadal and Djokovic.

Federer’s opponent is Carlos Berlocq, who has been also enjoying a decent form lately. The Argentinean has an ordinary 15-11 win-loss record for the season and he is still chasing his maiden title on tour. Interestingly, this will be a first meeting between these two. Obviously, Federer is crushing favourite in this battle, but the Argentinean can surprise him with a trick or two – but he will have to play out of his skin to beat the in-form Swiss legend.

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