Federer Wins Masters Cup Opener
Federer extended his streak to 32. By Bill Scott
Roger Federer was forced into a rare fightback Sunday to save
his near-perfect record at the Tennis Masters Cup, overcoming
Argentine David Nalbandian, 6-3, 2-6, 6-4 to open his title defense
in the Red Group.
The Shanghai match was the first in six weeks for Switzerland's
Federer, who has already clinched the world No. 1 year-end ranking
for the second year in succession. He last competed in Bangkok,
winning his 11th title of the season on October 2.
The usually flawless Federer admitted to moments of fear before
coming through against Nalbandian.
"I was mentally ready for a two-sets defeat," admitted
the Swiss winner of the last two editions of the TMC when it as
played in Houston.
"I haven't been in this situation very often the last couple
of years, it's always difficult to come out of it. I really hoped
that he would give me one opportunity - he did, and I took it."
Federer is chasing a third consecutive finale title - a feat
last achieved by Ivan Lendl in 1985-87.
Federer (currently 78-3) will tie John McEnroe's Open Era record
(winning percentage) of 82-3 if he goes onto become the undefeated
champion.
The Swiss is building upon an imposing 14-1 record at the Masters
Cup, with his only loss came to Lleyton Hewitt in the Shanghai
2002 semifinals.
Federer overcame the effects of the ankle ligament injury scare
which threatened to keep him off the court at the Qi Zhong tennis
center, which still put him out of ATP action for six weeks.
The top seed won six of the last seven games against Nalbandian
in an heroic recovery from 1-3 down in the third set, finishing
off victory with a service winner.
Federer looked as formidable - if match-short - in his ninth
career meeting with Nalbandian, who has now lost the pair's last
four after winning the first five.
The Swiss top seed escaped trouble, saving three break points
in the third game, holding for 2-1. He then broke the South American
for 4-2 on his way to collecting the opening set in 33 minutes.
Eighth seed Nalbandian, one of few players with a winning career
record (5-4) against Federer, levelled at a set each, but couldn't
hold his nerve in the face of a Federer fightback in the third.
"I was getting a little bit, not frustrated but, disappointed,
playing such a good opening set, and then having all my chances
in the second set," said Federer .
"In the end, standing 1-3 down, I was just getting a little
bit worried. But now that's in the past, so it's great."
In 2004 and 2005 Federer has not lost to any player in the TMC
field other than world No. 2 Rafael Nadal. Top seeds are 26-0
in finals in 2005.
"I haven't played for seven weeks, so I know that I maybe
keep missing too many returns," said Federer, whose mother
and sister watched his winning effort before later travelling
on to South Africa.
"Occasionally I miss a shot or two more than maybe I usually
do. But that is for me not really a concern. Maybe it's even good
it was a three-setter so I really got to get even more match play.
"I'm very sure that the next match will be better and the
same again then for the third match. To start with a win in my
group, that's definitely a cushion great to have."
Exclusive Audio | Press Transcripts
Also on Sunday: Ljubicic Clinches Win in Masters Cup Debut
Doubles Review: Top Teams Upset as Play Begins in Shanghai
|
