Federer returns to ATP circuit with straight-set victory over Rochus

Federer returns to competitive tennis with thumping win over rochus in Swiss indoors

Federer returns to ATP circuit with straight-set victory over Rochus

Federer returns to competitive tennis with thumping win over rochus in Swiss indoors

Roger Federer eased through to the second round of the Swiss Indoors here last night on his return after a six-week break with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Belgian qualifier Olivier Rochus.

The World No 1u00a0bidding for a fourth successive Swiss Indoors title shook off the rust from a six-week break to roar through and a date with Italian Andreas Seppi in just 66 minutes.

Federer's march to victory was preceded by an operatic performance with massed choir and selections from Aida as his hometown honoured three straight titles at the St Jakobshalle by the world-famed native son.

Long break
"I felt so good out there," said Federer, who needed three match points to go through after earning the first two winning chances with his 11th and 12th aces of a quick evening.

"This was my longest pause, even longer than in the close season. But I really needed it and it was worth it," said the winner of a first French Open title and sixth Wimbledon title this season.

"It's so great to be playing in Switzerland. I haven't done it for a year and I really missed it.

"I felt I played a good match and just want to carry on like this."
u00a0
Federer improved to an overwhelming 6-0 over Rochus, who lost to Marcos Baghdatis in the Stockholm final just over a week ago.

The Swiss top seed broke in the sixth game of the 29-minute first set, then fired his fifth ace for a 5-2 lead before securing the opening lead.

In the second, Federer went ahead 3-2 and was untroubled save his minor niggles in closing out the straightforward victory.

Federer admits that Basel is the event closest to his heart after getting his start here as a ballboy a decade and a half ago.

The top seed has not played since helping his nation retain their place in the Davis Cup World Group with a win over Italy in September Federer chose to rest rather than play the autumn tournaments in Asia.

Nappy knack
The 15-time Grand Slam champion has laid low and got to know his three-month old twin girls as he assumed his additional new role as a father. He was unable to help himself as he bragged about his daft hand with a dirty nappy.

"I have an unbelievable technique," he said to laughter mainly from his wife sitting in the stands.

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