Roger Federer was far from his vintage best on Wednesday, but he has already advanced farther than he did last year at the Mercedes Cup. Federer, who lost his tournament opener to Tommy Haas in 2017, recovered from a slow start to defeat Mischa Zverev 3-6, 6-4, 6-2 in one hour and 33 minutes.
The 36-year-old squandered all four of his break chances in the first set and that came back to haunt him when he dropped serve from out of nowhere at 3-4. That allowed Zverev to serve out the opening frame of play one game later.
In some danger of losing his third straight match, having fallen in the Indian Wells final to Juan Martin Del Potro and right away in Miami to Thanasi Kokkinakis, Federer recovered thereafter. The world No. 2 donated his own serve once more in the second but broke Zverev twice in each of the last two sets.
Federer capped off his comeback with a forehand return winner on match point with the German serving at 2-5.
Highlights:
“Three months is a long time; it’s longer than the year-end break,” Federer explained. “So I’m very happy returning on good terms onto the tour. It was difficult; (I) missed some chances maybe in the first set…. He connected well at the right times. And then I found a way; I found my rhythm…. I’m very happy with how I played. I’m super happy to be back on tour. It’s been a great start.
“It feels good to win again. [I had] lost my last two matches. It’s nice to get a fresh start here.”
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survive and advance
30 for 30 reference, maybe, Ricky??
hmmmm. not that i know of!
Ah, nevermind haha. There’s a great ESPN 30 for 30 documentary called, “Survive and Advance”…
He served a LOT better in that 3rd set….he’ll be ready for AELTC
Is it the ill-fitting shirt or did Federer seem out of shape?
Bit more of a tum on Roger than is optimal, imo.
Then again, Wawrinka has shown that you can win a slam even a dad-bod.