BASLE - Roger Federer brushed off his game after a long autumn pause to clock his 16th straight victory at his home Swiss Indoors and start a run to the end of the Association of Tennis Professional (ATP) season.
The top seeded world number one needed just 66 minutes and a dozen aces to hammer Belgian qualifier Olivier Rochus 6-3, 6-4 here Monday.
The Swiss earned his first two break points with aces, only to see them saved by the battling Belgian. But Federer put away the popular victory as Rochus fired wide to end it.
Federer has not played for six weeks since leading Switzerland to a place in the Davis Cup World Group in September. He missed Asian events last month to rest and get better acquainted with his new family of twin daughters born in last July.
“I haven’t played in Switzerland in a year and it’s really so great,” said a delighted Federer, whose match was introduced by a massed choir and an operatic performance of selections from Aida.
Organisers presented their heroic native son with a set of three mounted miniature gold trophies to represent his title success in 2006, 2007 and 2008.
“I played pretty well today and I’m happy with how it went,” said Federer, tuning up for the for next week’s Paris Masters and the year-end event in London by playing doubles this week with good friend Marco Chiudinelli.
Federer will next face Italian Andreas Seppi, who earned his place by beating Swiss number 148 Stephane Bohli 4-6, 6-1, 7-5.
“I felt so good out there,” said the World No. 1. “This was my longest break, longer than at the end of a season. But I really needed it,” said the winner of Paris and Wimbledon titles at mid-season.
An onslaught of 28 aces went for nought as huge Croatian server Ivo Karlovic was tamed 7-6(5), 6-4 by Frenchman Florent.
Serra, a lucky loser from qualifying rounds, turned the big man’s weapon in a superb defensive effort lasting just 67 minutes.
Federer last played on the ATP in the US Open final, scene of his loss to Argentine Juan Del Potro, who withdrew from this week’s event due to a continuing wrist problem and a psychological letdown since earning his Grand Slam title over the master.
This week is key for up to ten contenders for the last two spots open in the field, with points earned in Basle, Valencia and next week in the concluding event of the regular season, the Paris Masters, key indicators of who will make the cut for London.
Serb Novak Djokovic, whose only previous Basle appearance was a qualifying loss in 2004, plays as second seed behind Federer with 2005 champion Fernando Gonzales of Chile on third.
Federer now stands 56-8 on the season and has now won his 30th Basle match.
Related News
Federer chosen to play full slate of 3 matches for Switzerland against Italy in Davis CupSeptember 17th, 2009 Federer chosen to play 3 matches against ItalyGENOA, Italy — Roger Federer will play in three matches for Switzerland when his country faces Italy in the Davis Cup playoffs. Federer, who lost to Juan Martin del Potro in five sets on Monday in the U.S.
Federer lets expletive fly during argument with chair umpire at US Open finalSeptember 14th, 2009 Federer uses profanity in dispute at Open finalNEW YORK — Serena Williams isn't the only Grand Slam champion using profanity at the U.S. Open: Roger Federer let an expletive fly, too.
Still on a roll, Federer moves 1 win away from sixth straight US Open titleSeptember 13th, 2009 Federer tops Djokovic to move 1 win from titleNEW YORK — Roger Federer has moved one victory away from his sixth straight U.S. Open title with a 7-6 (3), 7-5, 7-5 victory over Novak Djokovic.
Federer beats Soderling at US Open to reach 22nd consecutive Grand Slam semifinalSeptember 10th, 2009 Federer reaches 22nd consecutive Grand Slam semiNEW YORK — Roger Federer has beaten Robin Soderling at the U.S. Open to reach a 22nd consecutive Grand Slam semifinal.
Federer erases early deficit to beat Hewitt and reach 4th round at US OpenSeptember 5th, 2009 Federer recovers to beat Hewitt at US OpenNEW YORK — Top-seeded Roger Federer has overcome an error-filled first set to beat former No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt in the U.S.
Federer beats NCAA champion Britton to extend US Open winning streak to 35August 31st, 2009 Federer stretches US Open streak to 35 matchesNEW YORK — Roger Federer has extended his U.S. Open winning streak to 35 matches with a 6-1, 6-3, 7-5 victory over NCAA champion Devin Britton in the first round.
Roger Federer's twin girls photo published!August 7th, 2009 ZURICH — Roger Federer has posted the first public photo of his twin girls on the Internet. Federer wrote below the photo on his Facebook account on Friday, thanking friends and fans for their warm wishes.
Playing doubles: Federer goes to the Net and posts photo of twin girls on Facebook accountAugust 7th, 2009 Net game: Federer's twins make Facebook debutZURICH — Roger Federer is showing off his new doubles team. The Swiss tennis great has posted the first public photo of his twin girls on the Internet.
Meeting Mandela my dream, says FedererJune 27th, 2009 LONDON - Swiss tennis star Roger Federer, chasing his 15th Grand Slam title at this season's Wimbledon, has expressed a desire to meet former South African President Nelson Mandela. The five-time Wimbledon champion once the tournament is over, he would appreciate a chance to shake hands with Mandela.
Federer eases past Garcia-Lopez in straight sets to reach 3rd round at WimbledonJune 24th, 2009 Federer eases into 3rd round at WimbledonWIMBLEDON, England — Roger Federer has beaten Guillermo Garcia-Lopez of Spain in straight sets to reach the third round at Wimbledon. The five-time champion had early breaks in each set for a comfortable 6-2, 6-2, 6-4 victory Wednesday.
Federer taunts MurrayJune 21st, 2009 LONDON - Tennis player Roger Federer is leaving no stones unturned to hit at the pivotal opponent British star Andy Murray at this seasons Wimbledon. On the eve of the tournament, Federer was not in a mood to miss any opportunity to belittle the No.2 seed.
Federer ties Sampras' record of 14 major titles by finally winning French OpenJune 7th, 2009 Federer ties Sampras' record of 14 major titlesPARIS — Roger Federer has won his first French Open championship to tie Pete Sampras' record of 14 major titles and complete a career Grand Slam. The second-seeded Federer beat No.
Federer rallies to reach 4th straight French Open final by beating del Potro in 5 setsJune 5th, 2009 Federer rallies to reach 4th straight French finalPARIS — Roger Federer will get another chance to complete his career Grand Slam at this year's French Open. The 13-time major champion advanced to the final at Roland Garros by rallying to beat Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina 3-6, 7-6 (2), 2-6, 6-1, 6-4 Friday.
Roger Federer easily beats Gael Monfils at French Open to reach semis for 5th straight yearJune 3rd, 2009 Federer into French semis for 5th year in a rowPARIS — Roger Federer moved within two victories of completing a career Grand Slam at the French Open by beating 11th-seeded Gael Monfils of France 7-6 (6), 6-2, 6-4 Wednesday. Federer reached the semifinals for the 20th consecutive Grand Slam tournament, extending his own record.
Federer does not think Murray is French Open final materialJune 2nd, 2009 PARIS - Former World Number one Roger Federer has said that British tennis star Andy Murray is not his pick to reach the final of the French Open. The world No 2 is in the other side of the draw to third seed Murray, who meets Chile's Fernando Gonzalez in the quarter-finals in Paris today.
Loading ...