The Sports Lowdown For All Your News and OpinionsRoger Federer has won his first match at the ATP World Tour Finals this year, after the Swiss maestro dispatched Tomas Berdych 6-4 6-2.
The world number three initially had to overcome a slow start, but he improved to ultimately cruise past the Czech player, using his variety and exquisite shot-making to dominate his opponent.
In the first set, Federer made a nervous start, and Berdych fully capitalised on a few double faults from his opponent to seal a 2-0 lead. However, the Swiss maestro immediately hit back in the following game to retrieve the break, and quickly held serve to level the scoreline at 2-2. Federer threatened to build further momentum when he had more break points to take control, but Berdych produced a series of powerful serves to survive the game. At 4-4, Federer finally made the breakthrough, as an error strewn game from Berdych gifted the Swiss maestro the chance to serve for the set. The world number three obliged, and he easily consolidated the break to clinch the set.
As the second set unfolded, Federer was growing in confidence and his exquisite net play was placing his opponent under more pressure. A delightful drop-shot set up a break point, and the Swiss maestro converted it when Berdych netted a forehand to seize the early advantage. Federer was firmly in control, using his variety to neutralise the Czech’s power and manoeuvre him around the court. Berdych simply had no answers to Federer’s confident form, and the double break was established when the Czech placed a forehand wider under pressure. Berdych did well to hold the remaining service games and reduce the deficit, but Federer swiftly dismissed his opponent to complete the win.
