VIDEO Roger Federer wins Western & Southern Tennis Open return reports Scott Springer
Scott Springer, [email protected]
MASON – As part of the Tuesday evening tennis twinbill on Center Court at the Lindner Family Tennis Center, Switzerland’s Roger Federer was the opening act for Serena Williams.
The top remaining seed (No. 2) since the withdrawal of one seed Rafael Nadal, was playing in his first Western & Southern Open since 2015 having missed the last two seasons at the Lindner Family Tennis Center. Federer has won the tournament seven times and is looking for his 99th career championship.
Against Germany’s Peter Gojowczyk, Federer won the first set in 37 minutes 6-4 under mostly cloudy skies and 82 degrees. The second set was nearly identical at 6-4 and in time, ending as what sun was visible was setting.
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“It’s good to be in Cincinnati,” Federer said to cheers in his courtside interview. “I was disappointed I didn’t make the last couple (tournaments) but I had a bad knee and a bad back. I’ll try my very best and I’m hoping to play a good tournament this year.”
Federer won the Western & Southern Open in 2005, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2015. The 37-year-old’s last loss in Cincinnati was five years ago in a quarterfinal match with Nadal. Since starting 1-4 in the local tourney from 2000-2004, he has been dominant at 42-4.
He was also quick to point out that he actually was on the grounds last season before withdrawing.
“It doesn’t feel like I’ve been away for so long here from Cincinnati because the wheel keeps turning, it’s not like I missed two years of tennis,” Federer said. “I was here last year briefly, but I was here.”
Gojowczyk came in ranked 47th in the world, while Federer is behind No. 1 Nadal heading into the U.S. Open in Flushing Meadows, New York. Now traveling with his family (wife and four kids) he expressed his love of the local surface.
“It’s fast court tennis,” Federer said. “I think Center Court is much faster than the outside courts. You don’t have much time. I knew Peter, my opponent, was going to take big cuts, so there’s only so much you can really do. That’s why you want to play aggressive yourself.”
Federer will next face Argentina’s Leonardo Mayer who defeated No. 16 seed Lucas Pouille of France 7-6, 6-4.
His Western & Southern Open win streak is now at 11 matches and his popularity apparently hasn’t wavered among local fans.
“I definitely think events are a reflection of the place you are playing at,” Federer said. “I’m not sure how many locals are in the stadium, but I have the feeling they’re from around here or nearby. There’s definitely a different charm, a different vibe to this tournament than others.”
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