Federer battles back to beat Albot in Miami
Roger Federer survived a first-set scare to beat Radu Albot and advance to the third round of the Miami Open.
After dropping out of the tournament in his opening round last year, Federer, the world number five, was forced to fight back against the 29-year-old qualifier and eventually emerged victorious 4-6, 7-5, 6-3.
Albot made a strong start, claiming the first break in the opening game, as Federer - who was defeated in the BNP Paribas Open final by Dominic Thiem last week - struggled to take advantage of his break point opportunities.
But Federer used his experience to evade a second-set tie-breaker and carried the momentum in the decider to clinch the decisive break and wrap up the victory after two hours and 10 minutes.
Speaking of the new venue at Hard Rock Stadium, Federer told the ATP website: “It was definitely different, especially very different to Key Biscayne last year. I’m happy I got it out of the way. I’m happy I was able to find a way tonight.”
He goes on to face Serbia’s Filip Krajinovic, who came through his own three-set match to dismiss Stan Wawrinka 5-7, 6-2, 7-6 (5).
Earlier, Dan Evans’ run in the tournament ended in a second-round defeat by Canadian teenager Denis Shapovalov.
Evans led 20th seed Shapovalov by a set before going down 4-6, 6-1, 6-3.
Kevin Anderson returned to the court for the first time in two months and fired 17 aces en route to a 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 victory over Jaume Munar.