Roger Federer’s quest for a record sixth Indian Wells Masters title has got off to a solid start after the world No.4 brushed aside Germany’s Peter Gojowczyk 6-1,7-5, in his opening match.
Fresh off winning his 100th title in Dubai, the 20-time grand slam champion proved too strong against his opponent. Who recently described Federer as one of his idols during an interview with Swiss channel SRF. During their encounter, the 37-year-old hit 24 winners to 18 unforced errors and saved six out of the seven break points he faced.
“I think fighting in the second set trying to withstand his shot making,” The Desert Sun Quoted Federer as saying afterwards. “He was really going for big shots and I think I was making the plays in the first set, and he was doing a really good job in the second set. And he started to serve better.”
“Maybe I was just a little more consistent in the end. I had a little more variation. It was certainly a tough win and I’m happy I avoided the tiebreaker.” He added.
A mere 31 minutes saw Federer race out to a 6-1 lead as he kick-started the match by winning five games in a row. Meanwhile an out of sorts Gojowczyk was severely punished for his low first serves in rate, which was only 37%. A stark contrast to Federer, who dropped only two points behind his serve throughout the opening set.
Despite the clinical start, Federer started to unravel with a series of double faults disrupting his momentum. Enabling the world No.85 to work his way to a 3-1 advantage in the second set. Nevertheless, it was only a matter of time before he regrouped to draw even. Still, Federer continued to be placed under pressure by the German as he saved four break points in a single game to level 4-4.
In the end it was Gojowczyk’s problematic serve that was his undoing. A double fault at the worst possible time from the German rewarded Federer his fourth break in the match and this time a chance to serve for a place in the third round. An opportunity seized by the Swiss player, who secured the 87-minute win following a forehand shot from his opponent drifting beyond the baseline.
Win No.63 at @BNPPARIBASOPEN@rogerfederer beats Gojowczyk 6-1 7-5 to book his place in R3 #BNPPO19 pic.twitter.com/2qaGcRXsSV
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) March 10, 2019
In the third round, Federer will play either compatriot Stan Wawrinka or Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics. He has now won 63 matches in Indian Wells, which is his highest match-win total at any ATP Masters event.
