Federer, Djokovic open campaign successfully in Miami

Tennis stars march to second round after straight-sets wins.

MIAMI:

Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic began their campaigns at the WTA and ATP Miami Masters on Friday with straight-set wins, five days after facing off in the Indian Wells final.

Two-time Miami champion Federer played steady, controlled tennis for a 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) defeat of Ivo Karlovic for a third-round spot.

Second seed Djokovic, winner of the Indian Wells trophy over his Swiss rival last weekend in California, eased past Jeremy Chardy, 6-4, 6-3.

France’s Chardy delayed the inevitable ahead of the final game, taking a medical timeout after hobbling to a courtside entry tunnel with an ankle problem.

“He twisted his ankle,” said Djokovic. “I talked with him after the match. He’s still in the physio room, so he says it’s not as bad as he thought. But I wish him recovery.”

Fifth seed Federer, now an all-time 11-1 against Karlovic, was impeccable in the opening set, losing his only point on serve as he stood 5-4, moments before serving out the opener.

A winning tie-break in the second finally made the difference for Federer, now 42-12 in Miami with titles in 2005 and 2006.

“I made sure I had a lot of first serves in; made sure I stayed aggressive from the baseline,” said the Swiss. “I think it worked really well, hardly any unforced errors.

“I was able to move Ivo around, and I was able to maintain that throughout the match, which was key. I could focus a bit on returning while then holding serve, which is important against Ivo.”

Venus through to third round

Before Serena Williams planted her flag at the Miami Masters, it was sister Venus who ruled over the Miami hardcourts, and the older of the tennis siblings signalled on Friday she was ready to reclaim the throne with a 6-3, 6-3 win over Anna Schmiedlova.

World number one Serena’s resume includes six Miami titles, but before her reign began with a first victory in 2002, it was big sister Venus who was the Queen of South beach having hoisted the trophy three times (2001, 1999, 1998).

“I have been working hard since [Dubai],” said Venus. “I feel really confident in every situation I’m in on the court.”

Elsewhere, world number two Li Na advanced to the third round without hitting a single ball when Russia’s Alisa Kleybanova withdrew because of a viral illness.

Third seed Agnieszka Radwanska arrived in Miami riding the momentum from a runner-up finish last Sunday at Indian Wells, but the Pole’s participation had been left in doubt by a knee injury.

Radwanska, however, displayed no signs of distress as she thumped Swiss Romina Oprandi 6-0, 6-4 in just 74 minutes. 

Published in The Express Tribune, March 23^rd, 2014.

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