Federer wins tricky first round clash

Roger Federer prevailed against top German Philipp Kohlschreiber 7-6(8), 3-6, 7-6(5) in a tricky first-round match in the Gerry Weber Open tennis tournament here.

In their fourth meeting at the German grass-court tournament, Federer saved two set points in the opening set tie-break before capitalising on his second set point opportunity on Monday.

Kohlschreiber saved two match points in the tenth game of the third set and took the mini-break to go up 3-2 in the decisive tie-break, but seven-time champion Federer came back strong, winning the final three points to clinch the victory after two hours and 11 minutes.

“Of course, it’s not a nice draw but you have to take it how it comes,” said Kohlschreiber after the match on Monday.

“I had a great plan in my mind how to play against him. I mentioned before that his first grass court match could be a little bit tricky. I had my chances but I think at the end we both played <g data-gr-id="24">very</g> good level on both sides, in the crucial moments, he made the better decisions in this case.” “I’m very relieved,” said Federer after the match.

“Philipp served at 5-4 in the (third set) tie-break. It’s rough on grass, it takes two serves and maybe that’s it.”

“I wasted two match points at 5-4, 15/40 and then saved a break point at five-all, so it was a roller-coaster ride in the end. My nerves are still going a bit crazy right now,” the World No.2 said.