BEVERLY HILLS, May 31, (THEWILL) – After an extended stretch of over 16 months’ absence from the Grand Slam stage, the previous Slam regular and serial winner Roger Federer returned with a performance that looked like he had not been away for a minute with a straight sets first-round victory over Denis Istomin.
An easy 6-2 6-4 6-3 win to begin Roland Garros belied Federer’s struggles on his return to active tennis but the 39-year-old was efficient and sharp throughout the match, particularly with his serve, which was just as powerful as ever.
The Swiss maestro hit eight aces and had a 71 percent success of his first serves in the win. The statistics were decidedly championship-level as was his overall performance, a markedly improved match after the understandably rusty form he had mustered since returning to tennis from a 14-month layoff.
In post-match comments, the all-time great said: “I think I was very focused, I’m finding match rhythm again whereas in Geneva I was all over the place…There was a lot going on in Geneva so I was just much better prepared mentally.”
Before the Open began, the down-to-earth Federer had been factual about his chances: “I’m just realistic that I know I will not win the French and whoever thought I would or could win it is wrong.
“Of course crazier things might have happened, but I’m not so sure in the past 50 years at the French Open somebody just rocked up at 40 years old being out for a year and a half and [went] on to just win.”
Federer’s classic humility aside, his performance on Monday alone was capable of winning the event. His serve game was accurate and smartly placed, his returns were crisp and he seemed to be moving better side to side than at any other point since his return from surgery.
It was such good all-round game that Federer finished with 48 winners against only 20 unforced errors in the entire match. It is true that his opponent Istomin is another veteran who has long struggled on clay and is nearing the end of his career but it was perfect enough to be a confidence-boosting game for Federer.
Istomin double-faulted four times and faced 13 break points and allowed the Swiss, who is 8-0 in his career against Istomin to carry the day.
It will get tougher here on out for the former number one, who will face familiar foe, Marin Cilic, in the second round. It will be a true test of his staying power but if he can replicate this display, he will improve his odds.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
