BASEL – Hero Roger Federer received a standing ovation from an appreciative home crowd after a routine 6-1, 6-2 thumping of Czech Tomas Zib to start a sentimental campaign at the Swiss Indoors on Tuesday.
The dominating world no. 1 was playing for the first time in his city since 2003, missing the last two editions through leg and ankle injuries.The one-way victory marked the 83rd against five losses this season for the holder of ten titles in 2006.”I had a nice reception, I’m playing well the results was fantastic, I couldn’t ask for more,” said Federer.Federer will take on Guillermo Garcia-Lopez in the second round after the Spaniard defeated Germany’s Julian Reister 7-6 (7/4), 6-2.The Swiss said that playing the event is a pleasure, with pressure not a factor.”I don’t feel pressure, I’m playing in front of friends and family,” said the 25-year-old, who got his start as a ballboy at the tournament.”I know the court well.”I don’t have any pressure at all.It’s not like the early years when I really wanted to win it.I have a lot of years left here,” said the losing finalist in 2000 and 2001.Federer claimed his 20th match victory in succession, with three of his ten titles coming in that run at the U.S.Open, Tokyo and last weekend at the Madrid Masters.Nampa-AFP1 was playing for the first time in his city since 2003, missing the last two editions through leg and ankle injuries.The one-way victory marked the 83rd against five losses this season for the holder of ten titles in 2006.”I had a nice reception, I’m playing well the results was fantastic, I couldn’t ask for more,” said Federer.Federer will take on Guillermo Garcia-Lopez in the second round after the Spaniard defeated Germany’s Julian Reister 7-6 (7/4), 6-2.The Swiss said that playing the event is a pleasure, with pressure not a factor.”I don’t feel pressure, I’m playing in front of friends and family,” said the 25-year-old, who got his start as a ballboy at the tournament.”I know the court well.”I don’t have any pressure at all.It’s not like the early years when I really wanted to win it.I have a lot of years left here,” said the losing finalist in 2000 and 2001.Federer claimed his 20th match victory in succession, with three of his ten titles coming in that run at the U.S.Open, Tokyo and last weekend at the Madrid Masters.Nampa-AFP
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