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Roger Federer routs Tiafoe in Basel opener

Roger Federer has got his annual trip towards a hometown title underway with a demolition of Frances Tiafoe in Basel.

Roger Federer celebrates
Roger Federer cruised through his first round in Basel. (AAP)

Roger Federer eased past United States teenager Frances Tiafoe 6-1 6-3 in the first round of the Swiss Indoors.

Top-seeded Federer never faced a break point in the 61-minute match and won every point when his first service landed safely.

A seven-time champion at his hometown event in Basel, Federer clinched the victory when the 76th-ranked American put a backhand volley into the net.

Federer improved to 3-0 against the 19-year-old Tiafoe, whom he beat in five sets in the US Open first round two months ago.

The Swiss star next plays Benoit Paire of France after Paire beat American Steve Johnson 6-3 7-6 (7-4) and the 19-time grand slam champion, says he is feeling good.

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"Today I felt good from the beginning, I had a good first set. There was a re-set in the second set, I needed to find another break somehow," Federer said.

"I felt good throughout. The short match didn't matter too much because I have a day off tomorrow. Even if it had been three sets, it would have been OK.

"As long as I'm winning, it's all good. I'm just happy to win the first match. Francis was tough in the US Open and Miami.

"The next round with Paire will be tough, he is a dangerous player indoors. I'm happy I've found my rhythm early in Basel."

Begian third seed David Goffin also advanced with a 6-2 7-5 win over countryman Peter Gojowczyk and fifth-seeded American Jack Sock battled past Canada's Vasek Pospisil 3-6 7-6 (9-7) 7-5.

Mischa Zverev couldn't fire though. The eighth seed fell 7-5 7-5 to Argentine veteran Leonardo Mayer.


2 min read

Published

Source: AAP


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