HAMBURG, Germany — Roger Federer struggled to beat Juan Monaco 6-3, 2-6, 6-4 Wednesday in the second round of the Hamburg Masters.
Federer, who needs to win the French Open to complete a career Grand Slam, has gone four straight tournaments without a title — his worst stretch since becoming the top-ranked player in February 2004.
"It was a tough first match, obviously he's a good clay-court player," Federer said. "I am glad I came through."
Playing under a closed canvas roof of the center court on a rainy and cool day, Federer broke Monaco for a 5-4 lead in the final set and then served out the match, converting his first match point with a service winner.
"The court was extremely slow in the wet conditions. It was good hard-fought match, maybe that's what I needed. I got a chance at the end of the third set and I was able to use it," Federer said.
Federer looks to break out of his slump in time for the French Open.
"I haven't played that great in recent weeks," Federer said. "I just need to get back into match grove, pick up as many wins as I can before the French Open."
Also, Carlos Moya rallied to upset 10th-seeded Tomas Berdych 3-6, 7-5, 7-6 (6), and 16th-seeded Lleyton Hewitt defeated Juan Ignacio Chela 6-2, 7-6 (3).
Wednesday's match was Federer's first since he split with coach Tony Roche over the weekend.
"I was focused totally on the match, it's a good sign that I was focused on how to play, how to adapt to the conditions," said Federer, who intends to go to the French Open and Wimbledon without a new coach.
Federer has won the Hamburg Masters, a tuneup for the French Open, in three of his last four visits.
Federer improved his record on clay this year to 6-2. He had 44 winners against Monaco, who had 12. But Federer also had 12 more unforced errors with 38.
The rain delayed play on outside courts, which have no roofs.