A six-month injury absence has done little to derail Roger Federer as he fought his way past Austria’s Jurgen Melzer 7-5, 3-6, 6-2, 6-2, in the first round of the Australian Open.
The impact of Federer in the world of tennis was demonstrated by the crowd attendance at the Rod Laver Arena. Prior to his match, world No.1 players Andy Murray and Angelique Kerber played in the same stadium, but both failed to attract a full attendance. On the other hand, Federer was cheered on by a packed crowd in the last match of the day.
Facing former top 10 player Melzer in his first tour match since the Wimbledon Championships, Federer knew he wasn’t going to have everything his own way. Three games went by with neither player dropping a point behind their serve. World No.300 Melzer, who has been hampered by injury in recent years, was the first to draw blood after a winning passing shot from the baseline secured a 4-2 break in his favour. Federer swiftly responded by retrieving the break immediately before producing a faultless end to the opening set. Winning 12 consecutive points, the former Australian Open champion sealed the lead with an ace out wide.
SET! Federer takes the opener in style 👌 #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/avchG3cPf3
— Eurosport UK (@Eurosport_UK) 16 January 2017
Concerns regarding the Swiss players form due to his six-month hiatus due to injury turned out to be irrelevant. Moving freely around the court and taking the ball early, Federer extended his lead to a set and a break advantage, but was pegged back by some equally impressive shots from Melzer. Two backhand passing shots allowed the Austrian to secure a double break for a 5-3 lead. The momentum switch was then completed after a Federer backhand sailed beyond the baseline, handing Melzer the second set.
Throughout Federer’s career, he has never lost to a play ranked outside of the world’s top 200 in a grand slam tournament. His lowest loss was to world No.154 Mario Ancic in the first round of the 2002 Wimbledon Championships. Ensuring that he wouldn’t fall to a new low, Federer delivered a clinical display in the third set, featuring 13 winners, to stroll to a two-sets-to-one lead.
SET! Federer turns on the style to take the third set #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/onNt2FAWEx
— Eurosport UK (@Eurosport_UK) 16 January 2017
Heading towards the finishing line, a clean forehand winner secured another break for Federer, moving him to three games away from his 81st main draw win at the Australian Open. A straightforward service game followed with a cross-court forehand winner consolidating his latest break. The Melzer threat was no more as Federer’s win became an inevitability. A forehand shot from the world No.300 drifted out, to reward him with the win.
Pleased with his winning start in Melbourne, a somewhat reflective Federer expressed his gratitude in being able to play on the men’s tour again after being hindered with a right knee injury throughout 2016.
“This year hasn’t been so tough yet, last year was tough.” Federer joked during his on-court interview. “It’s nice to be playing normal tennis again on a court like this (Rod Laver Arena).
“I couldn’t be happier that I am here now. I made it and I am in the draw, which is a beautiful thing.”
“Any match is a good match. Even if I had lost today, it would have been good.” He later added.
Awaiting Federer in the second round will be American qualifier Noah Rubin, a player who was just four-years-old when Federer won his first ATP title in 2001.
“I don’t know very much.” Federer responded when ask if he knew of Rubin.
“The good thing is that I have a day to get ready, to get the information I need. I was watching him play a little bit (earlier). I think he’s a right hander as well, which helps me a little bit.”
Since making his debut in 2000, the 35-year-old Swiss player has reached the third round or better at every Australian Open. Since 2004 he has reached the semifinals in 12 out of 13 years.
