02.11.2009

ATP - A SOLID START IN BASEL

Roger's first match after a long break was a strong one. He defeated Olivier Rochus 6-3, 6-4 in Basel today.

Roger was asked if his 7-0 head-to-head lead did not make a match like this clear right from the start. But our champ pointed out that as a junior he only rarely had a chance against the Belgian. That was also the reason why he asked Rochus if he would team up with him for the doubles in Wimbledon - and they went straight on to become the junior champs!

It was also thanks to his serve that Roger dominated today's match. He broke his opponent to take a 4-2 lead in the first set and one more break to 3-2 in the second was enough to then go on and seal the victory.

Roger will meet Andreas Seppi (ATP 38) in the next round on Wednesday. Roger leads the head-to-head 5:0 and has never dropped a set against the Italian.

Roger has also decided to enter the doubles competition in Basel. He will play alongside Marco Chiudinelli - the two had worked as ball-boys together during two years at the Swiss Indoors many years ago!