Classy Federer wins in style
ROGER Federer swatted aside Steve Johnson to race into the Australian Open second round yesterday as he kickstarted his bid for a 21st grand slam title in immaculate style.
The ageless Swiss great, 38, said ahead of the tournament that he had low expectations at the year’s opening grand slam after missing the warmup ATP Cup to spend more time with his family.
It left him short of match practice, but it didn’t show on Rod Laver Arena against the American in his 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 demolition.
“I felt really good. I trained really hard, like I always do, and happy I did not have any (injury) setbacks (in the off-season),” said Federer.
SHOWING no signs of ring rust, Roger Federer has begun his campaign for a recordequalling seventh Australian Open title by dispatching American Steve Johnson in straight sets.
In his first competitive outing since losing to Stefanos Tsitsipas at the ATP Finals in mid-November, Federer broke world No.75 Johnson’s serve early in each set of the 6-3 6-2 6-2 victory yesterday.
“I just haven’t played proper matches in many, many weeks, and a lot of guys, probably 95 per cent of the guys are coming here with matches,” said the 38-year-old Swiss. “So I’m not one of those guys, but now I have one. Best of five (sets) too, which is even better.
“For me, really the first three rounds are key to get going, to get used to the pressure, stay calm, when to save break point or 30-all points or whatever it may be.
“This is sort of the unknown that can be a little bit scary at times. But today there was none of that because I broke early each set and was able to get on a roll and play freely after that.”
The evergreen Swiss has not lost in the opening round of a major since the 2003 French Open and has never been beaten in the first or second round at Melbourne Park.
He has advanced at least as far as the semi-finals in 14 of his previous 16 outings at the Australian Open.
“When you win, it’s all good, you know, or even when you make semis and beyond, you know you’re in good shape, plus you’re just coming off the off-season so you have the confidence,” Federer said.
“You have practice flowing through your body, too.”