New Delhi: Roger Federer began his bid for a first Rome Masters crown with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Nicolas Almagro on Tuesday.
The world No. 1 had been given a bye into the second round of the claycourt tournament which is warm-up for French Open that begins on May 27. French Open is the only Grand Slam that Federer hasn't won.
Federer looked totally in control against Almargo, raising his game to break the Spaniard in his opening service game, then again in the first game of the second set. When Almagro created his sole break point of the match, Federer thumped down an unreturnable first serve.
"Yeah I feel much better too now. Two weeks of hard practice, one tournament already in Monaco where I played tough matches so I know the way I need to play. I still believe I can make less unforced errors - especially on the backhand side - but my serve I thought was more consistent today. Didn't get broken once, I think faced one break point which is always a good sign you know first up in a tournament," Federer later said.
In the other matches, James Blake defeated Gael Monfils 7-6 (4), 6-3 to avenged a five-set loss to Monfils at last year's French Open.
Jose Acasuso and former No. 1 Marat Safin, too, advanced to the next round.
While Acasuso shocked eighth-seeded Ivan Ljubicic 6-4, 6-3, Safin faced some tough moments before overcoming American qualifier Amer Delic 2-6, 6-3, 6-4.
Radek Stepanek also booked his place in the next round when 11th-seeded Tommy Haas retired with a right shoulder injury. Stepanek was leading 6-3, 3-2.
Tomas Berdych beat Jarkko Nieminen 6-4, 7-5, and Richard Gasquet defeated Fernando Verdasco 6-1, 7-5.
Marcos Baghdatis won 6-2, 6-3 against 2004 Rome champion Carlos Moya, and 2004 French Open champion Gaston Gaudio reached the second round by beating Mardy Fish 6-4, 6-4.
(With inputs from agencies)
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