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Wan LixinOpinion deputy editor of Shanghai Daily
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Federer makes a winning return in Rogers Cup
Source: Agencies |
August 13, 2009, Thursday
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Print Edition
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ROGER Federer pointed to a little ring rust rather than the joys of becoming a new dad after beating Frederic Niemeyer 7-6, 6-4 on Tuesday to reach the third round of the Rogers Cup in Montreal.
In his first match since lifting a record 15th grand slam singles title at Wimbledon, much has changed in a few weeks for Federer, who arrived in Montreal with his wife Mirka, new born twin daughters Charlene Riva and Myla Rose and a nanny in tow.
Ranked 487th, Canadian Niemeyer had hoped a few sleepless nights would help level the odds against the world No. 1. But an opponent on diaper duty and the backing of a centre-court crowd of 11,000 could not save the 33-year-old in his final appearance at the tournament before retiring.
"I was happy with that performance today," Federer told reporters after launching his hardcourt campaign with his 20th straight win. "After five, six weeks without a match you're just a little bit slow on your reaction, your return.
"Mirka is great, she handles it all well. Me too, I'm quite laid back and hands on (with the kids). It seems to be working so far."
The Swiss added: "Today all-in-all I thought it was okay. I wish I could have gotten some more balls back on the return but that again was due to him serving (well)."
While Federer declared himself mostly satisfied with his performance there was none of the brilliance that swept him to back-to-back grand slam wins at Roland Garros and Wimbledon.
Throughout the 85-minute match, Federer struggled for form, spraying forehands wide and long and slamming routine overheads into the net.
The first set failed to produce a break, Federer taking the opener in a tiebreak 7-3. Niemeyer continued to battle in the second until Federer finally wore down the Canadian before wrapping up proceedings.
"'He's a nice man," said Federer of the departing Niemeyer. "It's sad when you leave the game, but he seems happy with himself, so I wish him well. ... We played each other in a satellite in front of two people. It was snowing outside. And 11 years later we're playing in front of a packed house here in Montreal."
Last match
Niemeyer said the "atmosphere was unbelievable."
"It's my last match here and I was able to play the way I'm capable of playing. Too bad it was my last one, but I have no regrets. I just enjoyed the moment."
Third seed Andy Murray and No. 4 Serb Novak Djokovic, also back in action for the first time since Wimbledon, advanced smoothly.
Briton Murray, who can snatch the No. 2 world ranking from Spaniard Rafael Nadal with a decent run in Montreal, beat Frenchman Jeremy Chardy 6-4, 6-2.
Serbia's Djokovic battled past Canadian wildcard Peter Polansky 6-4, 7-6.
Eighth-seeded Russian Nikolai Davydenko also advanced with 7-6, 7-6 win over Frenchman Paul-Henri Mathieu.
World no. 10 Fernando Gonzalez of Chile survived a scare, battling back to beat 679th-ranked Canadian Milos Raonic teenager 4-6, 7-6, 6-4 in a first-round meeting.
In his first match since lifting a record 15th grand slam singles title at Wimbledon, much has changed in a few weeks for Federer, who arrived in Montreal with his wife Mirka, new born twin daughters Charlene Riva and Myla Rose and a nanny in tow.
Ranked 487th, Canadian Niemeyer had hoped a few sleepless nights would help level the odds against the world No. 1. But an opponent on diaper duty and the backing of a centre-court crowd of 11,000 could not save the 33-year-old in his final appearance at the tournament before retiring.
"I was happy with that performance today," Federer told reporters after launching his hardcourt campaign with his 20th straight win. "After five, six weeks without a match you're just a little bit slow on your reaction, your return.
"Mirka is great, she handles it all well. Me too, I'm quite laid back and hands on (with the kids). It seems to be working so far."
The Swiss added: "Today all-in-all I thought it was okay. I wish I could have gotten some more balls back on the return but that again was due to him serving (well)."
While Federer declared himself mostly satisfied with his performance there was none of the brilliance that swept him to back-to-back grand slam wins at Roland Garros and Wimbledon.
Throughout the 85-minute match, Federer struggled for form, spraying forehands wide and long and slamming routine overheads into the net.
The first set failed to produce a break, Federer taking the opener in a tiebreak 7-3. Niemeyer continued to battle in the second until Federer finally wore down the Canadian before wrapping up proceedings.
"'He's a nice man," said Federer of the departing Niemeyer. "It's sad when you leave the game, but he seems happy with himself, so I wish him well. ... We played each other in a satellite in front of two people. It was snowing outside. And 11 years later we're playing in front of a packed house here in Montreal."
Last match
Niemeyer said the "atmosphere was unbelievable."
"It's my last match here and I was able to play the way I'm capable of playing. Too bad it was my last one, but I have no regrets. I just enjoyed the moment."
Third seed Andy Murray and No. 4 Serb Novak Djokovic, also back in action for the first time since Wimbledon, advanced smoothly.
Briton Murray, who can snatch the No. 2 world ranking from Spaniard Rafael Nadal with a decent run in Montreal, beat Frenchman Jeremy Chardy 6-4, 6-2.
Serbia's Djokovic battled past Canadian wildcard Peter Polansky 6-4, 7-6.
Eighth-seeded Russian Nikolai Davydenko also advanced with 7-6, 7-6 win over Frenchman Paul-Henri Mathieu.
World no. 10 Fernando Gonzalez of Chile survived a scare, battling back to beat 679th-ranked Canadian Milos Raonic teenager 4-6, 7-6, 6-4 in a first-round meeting.
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