Federer flawless at Swiss Indoors

Top seed moves to round two after Dolgopolov’s injury retirement.

BASEL: World number two Roger Federer made an imposing start on his hometown stage in Basel, advancing unhindered into the second round of the ATP Swiss Indoors when his opponent retired with an ankle injury.

Federer was in total command against the 48th-ranked Aleksandr Dolgopolov of the Ukraine leading 6-4, 5-2 and serving for the match. However, the youngster’s tumble on the hardcourt as he pulled level at 15-15 by unsuccessfully trying for a winner brought about an abrupt end after 48 minutes as Dolgopolov hurt his right ankle.

Two trainers were brought out to the side of the court, but after a few minutes of medical analysis, it looked like it was the end of the season for the challenger who then limped off defeated.

Meanwhile, American eighth-seed John Isner staged a comeback over Frenchman Michael Llodra 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 while Dutch qualifier Robin Haase put out Swiss wild card Stephane Bohli 6-4, 6-3 in the week’s first match.

Published in The Express Tribune November 3^rd, 2010.