FLAWLESS FEDERER
The end came pretty fast. In 54 minutes.
The five thousand people that thronged the stands wanted more of Roger Federer whose every move — from bouncing the balls to feeling the strings of his racquet — brought loud cheers from the madding crowd.
It’s a shame that an ankle injury prevented his opponent in the first round, world number 41 Benoit Paire, from bringing his best tennis to challenge Federer on the show court.
Federer never had to change gears as he advanced to the second of the 25th edition of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships with a 6-3 6-1 win.
It was his first match since he famously hit that forehand cross-court winner against Rafael Nadal in Melbourne on January 29.
In a depressingly one-sided affair, Federer faced break points only twice — in the fifth game of the second set — and saved them both in a nonchalant manner.
Federer, a seven time champion in Dubai, later admitted that it’s difficult to stay focused when your rival across the net is struggling physically.
“It’s never easy, because you never know how severe it is. It’s a fast court. He’s a big shot maker,” the 18-time Grand Slam winner said.
“I think over the years I have played many opponents this way, and you just do your thing, try to make it difficult for him, try to stay aggressive yourself so you don’t get lured into just making shots, because that’s when he can tee off.
“I think I did well, and by the time maybe he got more comfortable, he was already down a set and a break. From then it’s a long way back, but if, you know, maybe if he does get a break, the pain sort of goes away at least mentally for a second,” he said.
Federer was happy to be back in a tournament where he has always felt the love from the crowd.
“It’s nice as you’re warming up you hear the crowd already somewhat as they’re getting pumped up by someone. You hear music and hear the roars. Then when you walk out, I don’t know, it’s a nice feeling to have. You know, it’s mutual, because I missed playing here last year,” he said.
“I have played here for so many years, seen the tournament grow. And especially after Australia, fans and myself know how special it is for me to be back on the court.”
There was a special cakecutting ceremony as well with Federer on the court to celebrate the 25 years of the tournament.
The men’s event began in the afternoon with veteran German Philipp Kohlschreiber’s comprehensive6-4 7-6 win over eighth seed Gilles Muller of Luxembourg.