Federer survives Spanish scare in Monte Carlo

By Julien Pretot

MONTE CARLO (Reuters) - Roger Federer was two points from an embarrassing exit from the Monte Carlo Masters on Wednesday before rallying to beat Spanish qualifier Ruben Ramirez Hidalgo 6-1 3-6 7-6 to reach the third round.

The world number one, who failed to retain his Australian Open crown earlier this year, was 5-4 and 30-15 down in the third set before his opponent, ranked 137th by the ATP, crumbled under the pressure.

Federer had already recovered from being 5-1 down after a string of unforced errors brought him to the brink of defeat.

He eventually won the tiebreak 7-1, wrapping it up after two hours and three minutes on his first match point when Ramirez Hidalgo sent a forehand wide.

Second-seeded claycourt king Rafael Nadal, bidding for a fourth consecutive title in the principality, never let Mario Ancic into their match, powering to a 6-0 6-3 win over the Croatian in 75 minutes.

The muscular Spaniard won the first eight games before dropping serve but took the last three games for a routine victory.

"It was a tough draw, since Mario was among the top players in the world before he had some injuries," said Nadal.

"I played very well in the first set but then at 2-0 in the second, I played badly. But for a first match on clay, it was a very good match."