Roger Federer survives past Alejandro Falla into the second round – London Olympics 2012
World number one, Roger Federer of Switzerland, made a shaky start to his gold medal campaign at the London Olympics, as he needed three sets to beat 51st ranked Colombian player, Alejandro Falla, 6-3, 5-7, 6-3 in the
first round.
Federer and Falla made a stable start, winning their serves in the opening seven games to take the score to 4-3 in the former’s favour. The Swiss Maestro secured a breakthrough in the eighth and made the most of it to triumph 6-3.
In the second set, none of the two players managed to break other in the first six games, equalising the score at 3-3. Federer went into a commanding position after that, as he struck in the seventh and held his next serve to move
ahead 5-3. However, a lapse of concentration from the Swiss star resulted in the loss of four consecutive games, losing the second set 5-7.
Federer snatched a break in the very first game of the decider and consolidated on it to attain a 2-0 advantage. The Swiss legend maintained his lead throughout, serving it out at 5-3.
It was a moment of concern for Federer’s fans, who want to see their hero win the only title that has eluded him in his amazing career. Falla has troubled Federer in their past meetings too. The Colombian was leading the Swiss
legend two sets to love in the first round of the 2010 Wimbledon Championships but Federer bounced back to win on that occasion too.
The top seed said, talking to the reporters after the match, “I've struggled against Falla in the past at times. I was able to mix it up well and played well for the first set and a half, then all of a sudden I missed the match
points, things got difficult and he played a great match to come back. I'm relieved of course. Falla is a great player, counter-punches well, plays really well and made things really difficult for me.”
Federer also admitted that he gets under pressure, when he represents his country. He shared, “When I play for Switzerland I try to be a good ambassador as I travel around for eight months of the year. But it's different having
the Swiss cross on your jersey and you do feel the pressure.
The 17-time Grand Slam winner will play the world number 32, Julien Benneteau of France, in the second round.
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