After year-long layoff, Federer returns with a win in Doha

Doha: After more than a year out, Roger Federer started his 24th season on tour with a win.

It was far from easy for the former No. 1, though, as he was pushed hard by Dan Evans at the Qatar Open before winning the second-round match 7-6 (8), 3-6, 7-5 on Wednesday.

It was Federer's first match in 405 days after having knee surgery following the 2020 Australian Open.

"Feels good to be back," Federer said in an on-court interview. "I'm happy to be standing here regardless of if I won or lost. But obviously winning feels better."

Playing for nearly 2 1/2 hours tested the 39-year-old Swiss player's stamina following his long break.

Federer saved a set point at 6-5 down in the first-set tiebreaker and saved two break points at 3-3 in the deciding set before sealing the win with a break of Evans' serve.

He showed flashes of his usual brilliance along the way, clinching the first set with a perfect cross-court backhand winner as Evans charged into the net. Having failed to convert a match point at 5-4 in the decider, he used another backhand down the line to clinch the win on his second attempt.

Federer said he used Evans as a training partner as he prepared for his comeback, playing more than 20 sets against the Briton in the previous weeks.

"It has been a long and tough road for me. I enjoyed it though," the 20-time Grand Slam champion said.