Federer wins 1st match vs. U.S. teen

KEY BISCAYNE, FLA. >> Roger Federer kept waving in apology, twice after he dribbled winners off the net cord and once when he slammed a volley that nearly knocked his opponent down.

Afterward Federer praised 19-year-old American qualifier Frances Tiafoe, who acquitted himself well before a near-capacity stadium crowd at the Miami Open. But there are limits to Federer’s politeness, and he beat Tiafoe 7-6 (2), 6-3 Saturday.

Returning to the tournament after a two-year absence, Federer took the lead with a flawless tiebreaker and gradually pulled away from Tiafoe.

“I think he’s going to be really good,” Federer said. “He’s got big shots, and I like his mindset. That goes a long way.”

Tiafoe smiled when he told of Federer’s assessment. “One is more happy than the other,” he said with a smile. “Nah, I’m definitely happy. We both played pretty well. It was good tennis.”

Americans John Isner and Sam Querrey won in straight sets, as did 19-year-old German Alexander Zverev.

In women’s play, No. 6-seeded Garbine Muguruza rallied past No. 30 Zhang Shuai 4-6, 6-2, 6-2. American Bethanie MattekSands eliminated No. 17 Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 4-6, 6-0, 6-3.

Federer’s only wobble came when he was broken in the opening game of the second set. He lost just seven points in his 10 other service games and whacked a service winner on match point, then met Tiafoe at the net for a warm exchange.

“It was an honor playing you,” Tiafoe said. “I hope we can play again, hopefully not so early in the tournament.”