After a surprise semi-final loss to Albert Montanes in Estoril last week, World No. 1 Roger Federer insisted he was not worried about his form going into Roland Garros and backed up his statement with a 6-2, 7-6(4) win over Benjamin Becker in his opening match at the Mutua Madrilena Madrid Open Tuesday. Federer, who is the defending champion at the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 clay-court tournament after defeating Rafael Nadal in the final last year, is this week looking to reach his first final since capturing his 16th Grand Slam title at the Australian Open (d. Murray).
The Swiss broke twice in the second and eighth games to seal a one-set lead, but could not find a way through Becker’s defences in the second set and was denied on a match point in the 12th game before the German forced a tie-break. Federer improved to a 7-4 record in tie-breaks this year, though, as he sealed victory in one hour and 21 minutes.
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"There was a lot of good serving but today was important to play a clean match and that is what I was able to do," said Federer. "I served solidly, I returned great and that combination is tough for the opponent. I could have made it a bit easier for myself in the second set I had some chances but that´s the sort of stuff I´ve got to get through and it was important for me to win the break and close it out."
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