Roger Federer required only 72 minutes to book his place in the second round of the Australian Open after crushing Georgia’s Nikoloz Basilashvili 6-2,6-1,6-2.
The 34-year-old started the match in sublime fashion with a series of spectacular winners down the line. The Swiss was handed his first break in the match after a double fault from Basilashvili before breaking once again two games later to lead 4-1. Despite having a double break, the opening set wasn’t a one-way encounter. Basilashvili, who achieved a ranking high of 86th last year, produced an outstanding game to retrieve one of the breaks. Despite the solid game, the Georgian was incapable of generating any momentum against a determined Federer, who broke back once again to establish a double break lead. Tasked with serving for the set, the world No.3 closed it out with ease after a serve out wide forced Basilashvili to return it into the net.
As we cut to our Live and Excl #AusOpen coverage on E1, @rogerfederer shows his class with a winner down the line https://t.co/O7cQtglKze
— Eurosport UK TV (@EurosportUKTV) January 18, 2016
The 17-time Grand Slam champion was clearly in his element, moving aggressively to the net to forced his opponent to produce the error. The renowned SABR (Sneak Attack By Roger) was in full force as he broke at the start of the second set to extend his lead to a set and 2-0. Federer’s six-game winning streak came to an end in the fifth game of the second set thanks to a spirited performance from Basilashvili. The world No.118 saved two break points before sealing the game with a smash at the net. Nevertheless, Federer was still in no danger of losing control, a poor service game from his opponent handed him three set points. The world No.3 took the set after a ball from Basilashvili went long.
One of the most outstanding aspects of Federer’s performance was his consistent level of high intensity. Despite racing to a two-set lead after only 50 minutes, the 34-year-old kept applying the pressure by taking the ball early and not allowing too much time between points. The third set was a different experience for Federer. Unlike the two preceding sets, the 23-year-old Georgian was finally able to match Federer game by game after finding greater consistency with his serve. This pattern continued until the fifth game when Basilashvili produced two consecutive unforced errors to hand Federer his seventh break of the match. The Swiss consolidated the break with a love service to game to lead 5-2, one game away from victory. The third seed grabbed his first match point after firing a stunning forehand cross court winner. After failing to convert on his first, Federer was successful on his second after a well constructed rally forced his rival to do another unforced error.
Playing in his 65th Grand Slam tournament, Federer said during his on court interview that he was happy with his first round performance.
“I was very happy, first rounds are never easy. I have never played against Nikoloz, plus it was breezy, so it was a nice opening match”. He said.
“I’m happy I played so well, I really enjoyed it”.
The 34-year-old also paid tribute to Lleyton Hewitt, who will be playing in his final tournament before he retires. Hewitt will play compatriot James Duckworth on Tuesday evening in his first round match.
“I think it’s a wonderful finish for him regardless of how it goes”. The world No.3 said.
“He had a wonderful career and I have played some of my greatest matches against him”. He later added.
In the second round, Federer will play Ukraine’s Alexandr Dolgopolov. Dolgopolov defeated Lithuania’s Ricardas Berankis 6-1, 3-6, 6-4, 6-2. The Swiss last played the Ukrainian at the 2014 Indian Wells Masters where he won 6-3, 6-1.
