"It's always important coming back as defending champion trying to get off to a good start," Roger said. "It was like a perfect match to get off the French Open campaign, really."
Our champ rarely looked troubled on court Philippe Chatrier as he wrapped up the first set and secured breaks in the fourth and sixth games of the second as his opponent was less and less able to hold up the pace. Two more breaks followed in the fifth and seventh games of the third set.
Roger delighted the crowd with a last razor-sharp backhand to wrap up the match after 1h 48. This is only the second time in nine years that Roger arrived in Paris without a title during the clay season. But he showed no signs of vulnerability at all today.
Next up for Roger is Columbia's Alejandro Falla.
Roger happy to see Football World Cup in South Africa:
With a South African mother and his foundation supporting disadvantaged children in the country, Roger Federer is thrilled to see the World Cup being staged in South Africa next month.
The 16-time Grand Slam champion, who played Monday at the French Open, said he hoped the country would benefit from the tournament.
“When I first heard that they had won the right to host the tournament, I was delighted,” Federer said. “I really know the country, the people are great and the landscapes are among the most beautiful in the world.”
Federer’s foundation, which was launched seven years ago, supports education, sports and leisure activities in the poorest African countries.
“Hopefully (the World Cup) will be good for the future of this country after living through hard times in the past,” the top-ranked Federer said.
The 28-year-old Swiss great is glad to see his country make it to the finals after a shaky qualifying campaign. Switzerland blew a two-goal lead in Israel and then was embarrassed 2-1 at home to 152nd-ranked Luxembourg, before going on an eight-match unbeaten run to win its group.
“I’m happy Switzerland went through because at one point, it was unsure it was going to qualify,” Federer said.
Date: 24.05.2010, Source: RF Official
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