Paris: Roger Federer returns to form, defeats Istomin to progress to second round- Tennis legend Roger Federer has started off in style at Roland Garros with wins in straight sets (6-2, 6-4, 6-3) against Uzbekistan’s Denis Istomin in the first round of the French Open.
He dropped just two points in the first set as he began his quest for record 21st Grand Slam.
Istomin put up a spirited performance in the second set and it saw him win four games, but Federer managed to hold his ground and he ended up winning the second set 6-4, and he was just one more set away from progressing to the second round.
I just felt overall much clearer, much better, Federer said post-match as quoted by ATP Tour. Clearly also maybe the type of opponent allowed me to have many different ways to win the point. I knew if I came to the net, that was an option, hitting a drop shot was always an option, taking the ball early was an option.
‘I felt today I really made a bigger effort of going more in swings and not going through it like in the practice, where you just go point for point for point, he added. I sometimes have to tell myself, Take a little bit of time, walk to the towel, do something different… That’s where I think I felt much more comfortable today because I made an effort to think about it.’
Meanwhile, Russian second seed Daniil Medvedev ended his misery at Roland Garros as he beat Alexander Bublik for his first win on the Paris clay.
Medvedev, 25, won 6-3 6-3 7-5 against Kazakhstan’s Bublik, ending a run of four successive defeats in round one.
Elsewhere in the men’s singles draw on Monday, Croatia’s Marin Cilic set up a second-round meeting with Federer following a 7-6 (8-6) 6-1 6-2 win against Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech.
Belgian 13th seed David Goffin was beaten in straight sets by Italian 19-year-old Lorenzo Musetti, the Lyon Open semi-finalist winning 6-0 7-5 7-6 (7-3) to claim his first victory at a Grand Slam.
Norwegian 15th seed Casper Ruud, 22, overcame Benoit Paire 5-7 6-2 6-1 7-6 (7-4), while John Isner won an all-American match against Sam Querrey 7-6 (7-2) 6-3 6-4.
Meanwhile, Naomi Osaka has received backing from Martina Navratilova and Serena Williams after the Japanese tennis star pulled out of French Open on Monday.
Naomi’s decision to not speak to media due to mental health did not find acceptance with organisers of Grand Slam tournaments. She was fined $15,000 for skipping media interaction after her first round win and was also warned of suspension from future Grand Slam events.
I am so sad about Naomi Osaka. I truly hope she will be ok. As athletes we are taught to take care of our body, and perhaps the mental & emotional aspect gets short shrift, tweeted Martina, who added that Naomi’s decision was not just about press conferences.
This is about more than doing or not doing a press conference. Good luck Naomi — we are all pulling for you!, added the 18-time winner of Grand Slam singles titles.
Serena said she feels for Naomi and wanted to hug her but added that such moments has made her stronger.
I feel for Naomi. I feel like I wish I could give her a hug because I know what it is like, said Serena after her 7-6 (8/6), 6-2 win in first round over Irina-Camelia Begu at Roland Garros.
We have different personalities, and people are different. Not everyone is the same. I am thick. Other people are thin, said the 39-year-old.
Everyone is different and everyone handles things differently. You just have to let her handle it the way she wants to, said Serena, who has won 23 Grand Slam singles titles.
‘I have been where I have been very difficult to walk in (to press conferences) in those moments. But, you know, it made me stronger.’