Roger Federer beats Nicolas Mahut in the first round – ABN AMRO World Tennis Championship 2012
Former world number one, Roger Federer, sailed past Nicolas Mahut of France in straight sets 6-4, 6-4 in the first round at the ABN AMRO World Tennis Championship in Rotterdam on Wednesday. The Swiss claimed the victory in just
an hour and seven minutes.
Federer earned a break of serve in the third game and capitalised on it to take a 3-1 lead. The Swiss Maestro served out the set in the tenth game, claiming it 6-4.
The 16-time grand slam champion fired two aces and sealed 15 of the 18 first service points in the first set. The 30-year-old attacked his opponent’s second serve, snatching 63 percent of the points on them.
Federer and Mahut held their serves in the first eight games of the second set and took the scores to 4-4. The Swiss legend grabbed last two games of the set, closing it 6-4.
The right-hander, Federer, served brilliantly. The Swiss converted thirteen of the sixteen first serves into points in the second set.
Commenting on Mahut’s game, Federer said, "I thought Mahut was dangerous on the day, obviously with his good serve and quick plays, and it was tough getting a rhythm out there. But I came through, so there is a certain relief there
now and knowing that I’m in the tournament, knowing what to expect and getting another chance to maybe play better as the days go by."
Federer is playing ABN AMRO World Tennis Championship for the seventh time in his career. In his last appearance here, the Swiss defeated Ivan Ljubicic of Croatia in three sets 5-7, 7-5, 7-6(5) in the final to claim title.
The Swiss added, "To finally come through in 2005 and win the tournament as World No. 1 was a great feeling and I can’t believe I haven’t been back. I’ve tried for many years to come back so I’m really excited to be here.”
Federer has not won any title in this season so far. The Swiss disappointed his fans last week at the Davis Cup. His country lost 0-5 to USA in the first round of the World Group, Davis Cup. Federer lost to John Isner of USA in
four sets 6-4, 3-6, 6-7(4), 2-6 on the opening day. He partnered Wawrinka for the doubles match, losing to Mike Bryan and Mardy Fish in four sets 6-4, 3-6, 3-6, 3-6.
Mikhail Youzhny, Federer’s opponent in the second round, has withdrawn from the event due to an injury. The Swiss will now face Jarkko Nieminen of Finland in the quarterfinals.
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