Roger Federer Makes Big Return With Win Over Juergen Melzer In Australian Open First Round

Roger Federer made a triumphant return to competitive tennis on Monday after six months away from the game, exciting a packed Rod Laver Arena by defeating qualifier Juergen Melzer 7-5 3-6 6-2 6-2 to reach the Australian Open second round.

Roger Federer Makes Big Return With Win Over Juergen Melzer In Australian Open First Round

The 35-year-old Swiss had to fight hard throughout the match against the Austrian Melzer–also 35– and only pulled clear ahead of Melzer when the Austrian tired in the final set.

Federer stepped away from tennis due to a knee injury and his rustiness showed, as he made 36 unforced errors in his two hours and six minutes on court.

There were, nevertheless, several reminders of the spectacular shot-making that helped lead the Swiss to 17 grand slam titles and his 46 to 26 advantage over Melzer in the winner count to displayed what was ultimately a comfortable victory.

Federer won his first Grand Slam match at the Australian Open in 2000. Unfortunately, he also suffered his first major injury in Melbourne, when he turned his knee the wrong way while giving his kids a bath.

“I definitely see things a bit different when you’ve been gone for a long time or when you’ve come back from injury,” he told reporters. “It was great to be out there. I really enjoyed myself, even though it wasn’t so simple. Now being here, feeling like I’m part of this tournament. I wasn’t just in the draw, I’m actually making strides. It’s a good feeling.”

Although he recorded 19 aces and increasingly relied on his serve to escape trouble, Federer remained astounded at how long it took him to feel comfortable with that particular aspect of his game.

“There were definitely some nerves there,” he added. “I was feeling nervous once the match actually started. Think I struggled for a while to find that groove, that rhythm and everything. Then you remind yourself how many times has it not been easy in the first round.”

Federer added that he believed he had to pace himself, and that he didn’t want to ‘overthink’ every play. He is seeking his fifth Australian Open title.

Next up in the second round on Wednesday, however, is another qualifier in American Noah Rubin. 

Having won his first tour match since his semi-final defeat to Milos Raonic at Wimbledon in July, Federer believed his next match would not be as challenging.

“This match tonight was more based on me, how I’m going to cope with my comeback and my match,” he said. “But I’m happy with how it went. I think from here on it’s only going to get easier.”