Roger Federer fires on Dubai return after Australian Open heroics
Swiss maestro shows few signs of rust after a month off following his Melbourne win in sending Benoit Paire packing in the first round
Roger Federer showed few signs of rust after a month off following his Australian Open heroics in sending Benoit Paire packing at the Dubai Tennis Championships on Monday.
Federer, chasing a record eighth title at the Dubai showpiece, outclassed the tetchy Frenchman 6-1, 6-3 in what was his first match since winning an 18th grand slam in January in Melbourne against Rafael Nadal.
The timeless Swiss, who had been unsure of his form and fitness following the layoff and a leg injury, is yet to lift an eighth title at any event having achieved seven in Dubai, Wimbledon, Basel, Cincinnati and at Halle.
“I’m happy with how I played, I was able to stay aggressive,” the 35-year-old said. “I couldn’t have had a better first-round start.
“The serve in the beginning was a bit off maybe, but I think also playing at night here for the first time it’s always just a different ball when you toss it up with the lights, so that’s going to get better as I progress in the tournament.”