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  Sports   Tennis  26 Oct 2017  American pie for Roger Federer

American pie for Roger Federer

AFP
Published : Oct 26, 2017, 4:49 am IST
Updated : Oct 26, 2017, 4:49 am IST

Swiss master defeats teen Frances Tiafoe in straight sets.

Switzerland’s Roger Federer returns to USA’s Frances Tiafoe in their Swiss Indoors tournament first round at the St Jakobshalle in Basel on Tuesday. Federer won 6-1, 6-3. (Photo: AP)
 Switzerland’s Roger Federer returns to USA’s Frances Tiafoe in their Swiss Indoors tournament first round at the St Jakobshalle in Basel on Tuesday. Federer won 6-1, 6-3. (Photo: AP)

Basel (Switzerland): Roger Federer thrashed American teenager Frances Tiafoe 6-1, 6-3 as the top seed began his week at the Swiss Indoors with a resounding first-round victory.

Federer, who won in a stroll over Rafael Nadal just over a week ago in the Shanghai final, continued his top form in front of the local crowd at an event he has won seven times.

The 36-year-old Swiss, who has competed in a dozen Basel finals, made quick work of his 19-year-old opponent, who had taken him to five sets in this year’s US Open first round.

Federer will next face France’s Benoit Paire, a 6-3, 7-6 (4) winner over American Steve Johnson.

“I felt good throughout. The short match didn’t matter too much because I have a day off tomorrow. Even if it had been three sets, it would have been OK,” Federer said.

“The next round with Paire will be tough, he’s a dangerous player indoors. I’m happy I’ve found my rhythm early in Basel,” he added.

Defending champion and second seed Marin Cilic advanced in just 30 minutes after German Florian Mayer quit when trailing 6-3.

Third seed David Goffin defeated German Peter Gojowczyk 6-2, 7-5 and fifth seed Jack Sock of the US rallied past Canadian Vasek Pospisil 3-6, 7-6 (9/7), 7-5.

Argentine Leonardo Mayer knocked out number eight seed Mischa Zverev 7-5, 7-5.

Against Tiafoe Federer wasted no time in establishing domination of the young gun. The Swiss quickly rolled 4-0 ahead, with Tiafoe finally earning a game after 21 minutes of play.

Federer then produced a love game and closed out the set in 29 minutes on his first set point.

 Tiafoe’s resistance stiffened slightly in the second set, with Federer achieving the break in the eighth for 5-3 before winning in 61 minutes.   

Tags: roger federer, frances tiafoe