adminINDIAN WELLS. — Former champions Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal breezed through their Indian Wells tennis tournament openers and Serena Williams stepped up her comeback from a 14-year boycott with a similar crushing victory.
Second seed Federer on Sunday opened his bid for a fifth Indian Wells title by easing to a 6-4, 6-2 second round victory over Argentina’s Diego Schwartzman.
Nadal also opened his campaign on a successful note, blitzing Igor Sijsling 6-4, 6-2 in the joint WTA and ATP hard-court tournament.
Federer, who is making his 15th appearance in the California desert, advances to the third round, where he will face Italy’s Andreas Seppi, who beat Federer earlier this year at the Australian Open.
“It was important to get a good start. I had to stay focused and try to stay aggressive on the return which isn’t always easy,” Federer said.
“It was a bit breezy and I had to be careful at times, but it is good to get the first win.”
The 17-time Grand Slam winner Federer is ranked second in the world and has a shot at reclaiming the top ranking with a good showing at Indian Wells. — AFP.
Online Reporter