Roger Federer shakes off nerves, survives first test at Australian Open
MELBOURNE — It wasn’t an exhibition of the near-flawless style we’ve become accustomed to associating with Roger Federer when he played his first official match in six months at the Australian Open on Monday night.
The magic was clearly not consistently there. Instead of steady impeccable shot-making there was some uncharacteristic lunging serves and finger-crossing moments. The great one — the 17-time Grand Slam champion — didn’t always look like the guy many consider to be the best to ever pick up a racket.
But he can be forgiven as he’s never before been on the comeback trail.
Federer, who underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee to repair a torn meniscus last February, managed his way through to a 7-5, 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 win over fellow 35-year-old Jurgen Melzer of Austria.
Sometimes the best advice for a player not delivering his finest is the message that a win is a win. For at least one match Federer appeared willing to accept a few flaws in place of natural finesse.
“This year hasn’t been so tough yet,” Federer told the crowd. “It’s nice to be playing normal tennis again on a court like this. It was a long road. I’m back in the main draw and that’s a beautiful thing. Any match is a good match because I’m back on the court.”
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In the big picture of the 2 hour, 6 minute match, Federer still posted 19 aces, but also only saved one of four break points he presented Melzer. The Austrian, who was once top 10, is also on the comeback trail from shoulder surgery, and currently weighs in as the 300th-ranked player.
It’s worth noting that Melzer is also Federer’s least favorite type of player to face as he’s a lefty.
“I thought my serve was on and off in the beginning, which surprised me a little bit, because in practice, Hopman Cup, it’s been going pretty well,” Federer said. “I think there were definitely some nerves there. I was feeling nervous once the match actually started and I was actually fine all day.”
The question that’s swirled around Federer since he captured his 17th Grand Slam trophy at the 2012 Wimbledon is if there’s an 18th major in his future?
Obviously, the first crack at that possibility is here in Melbourne where he’s already won the title on four occasions, but not since he bypassed Andy Murray in the 2010 final.
These are different times for Federer and not just because at 35 years of age he can legitimately be considered a senior citizen in the tennis world. This is his first experience returning from a long layoff and it’s anyone’s guess how that will go during the weeks ahead.
The injury came to be the day after he lost in last year’s Australian Open semifinal when bathing his children. In early February, he had surgery and only played at five more tournaments throughout the season.
Finally, on July 26 of last season, following a Wimbledon semifinal showing, Federer determined it was time to shut down his season. Horror of horrors. The great one turned out not to be indestructible after all.
There were those that thought we might’ve seen the end of Federer. How in the world would he come back from six months off at his age?
But walking away so easily would never suit Federer’s personality. He’s a champions’ champion. When he goes out he’ll want to do it on his own terms.
“In a way it doesn’t surprise me because I’ve been talking about retirement for seven years,” Federer said. “Naturally this was the perfect opening for people to ask that question yet again, think to themselves, Why more?’ I get it. It’s fine. I’ll keep answering it.”
The second round will deliver Long Island’s own Noah Rubin, a 20-year-old who is now 2-2 in Grand Slam matches played. Rubin defeated fellow American Bjorn Fratangelo 6-7 (4), 7-5, 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 in his first five-set career match and wasn’t upset to draw Federer as his second round opponent.
“You know, of course you don’t want to play him first,” Rubin said. “Yes, you want to go deep, but wouldn't it be an amazing thing to win a round and then play Fed. I don’t know how many years he has left. Honestly, we don’t know. It’s just one of those things to be on the court with him, compete with him and work your butt off to play against him would be a really great experience.”
As for Federer, he admitted he wasn’t overly familiar with Rubin, but he was aware of one thing that brought a smile to his face: “I know he’s a righty and that’s a good thing.”
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