Federer into 3rd round, Djokovic also advances
Print Edition
ROGER Federer made a victorious return on Friday to the Sony Open after skipping last year’s tournament, and then was treated to a tribute on the stadium video screen.
“It looks like a farewell video,” Federer told the crowd with a laugh. “I miss one year, and you make me feel guilty.”
Federer’s back, as he showed by beating big-serving Ivo Karlovic 6-4, 7-6 (4). The Swiss star lost just three points on his serve to his 2.11-meter opponent, and in a match with few rallies, he committed only three unforced errors.
Three-time champion Novak Djokovic followed Federer onto the stadium court and into the third round, defeating Jeremy Chardy 6-4, 6-3. Defending champion Andy Murray, playing for the first time since he parted ways with coach Ivan Lendl, rallied to beat Matthew Ebden 3-6, 6-0, 6-1.
Another three-time champ, Venus Williams, defeated Anna Schmiedlova 6-3, 6-3. Williams, the oldest player remaining in the women’s draw at 33, is competing at Key Biscayne for the 15th time.
“It’s good to be here still as an oldster,” Williams said.
At 32, Federer has looked rejuvenated recently, and was the runner-up to Djokovic last week at Indian Wells. The 17-time grand slam champion says his new racket gives him more power, and he’s moving as he did in the old days.
After falling out of the top five last year for the first time since 2002, Federer returned to No. 5 this week. He led from the start against Karlovic, making the surprising choice to receive after winning the toss and earning the lone break of the match in the opening game.
“I just felt like, you know, let him go first and see how it goes,” Federer said. “It worked well today because I got the early break right away.”
While Federer had trouble with serves from Karlovic that peaked at 222 kilometers per hour, the Croat had no chance when returning. Federer won 49 of his 52 service points.
Djokovic converted all three of his break-point chances against Chardy, who was hobbled after hurting his right ankle in the penultimate game. “When I was supposed to play my best and come up with some good serves and good shots, that’s what I did in both sets,” Djokovic said.
On the women’s side, No. 2 seed Li Na of China reached the third round when Alisa Kleybanova withdrew because of a viral illness. The Russian is a former top-20 player mounting a career comeback from Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
No. 3 Agnieszka Radwanska, the tournament champion in 2012, defeated Romina Oprandi 6-0, 6-4. The Pole was hampered by a knee injury in her loss to Flavia Pennetta in the final at Indian Wells on Sunday, but showed no ill effects in her match on Friday.
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