ROGER Federer added to his repertoire of through-the-legs winners on his way to beating Dutch qualifier, Thomas Schoorel, 7-6 (3), 6-3 at the Qatar Open in his first official match of the season.
After a sluggish first set, the No.2-ranked Swiss hit his stride in the second. Leading 5-2 and faced with a ball that changed direction after clipping the top of the net, Federer flicked it through his legs for a clean winner into the corner.
“It’s one of the best shots again of my career, one I’m going to look back on and smile, of course,” he said. “It was quite fantastic.”
The 21-year old Schoorel, playing only his second ATP-level match, managed a smile as the crowd applauded. Schoorel went on to hold his serve, but Federer sealed the win in the next game. He successfully pulled off the shot - also known as a “tweener” - at the previous two U.S. Opens, at last year’s Shanghai Masters and at the 2007 Dubai Open.
In the second round, Federer plays Swiss compatriot, Marco Chiudinelli, who beat Reda El Amrani 3-6, 7-6 (3), 6-3. The 16-time Grand Slam champion struggled in the first set against Schoorel, and had to save three set points when trailing 4-5 in the first set.
After a sluggish first set, the No.2-ranked Swiss hit his stride in the second. Leading 5-2 and faced with a ball that changed direction after clipping the top of the net, Federer flicked it through his legs for a clean winner into the corner.
“It’s one of the best shots again of my career, one I’m going to look back on and smile, of course,” he said. “It was quite fantastic.”
The 21-year old Schoorel, playing only his second ATP-level match, managed a smile as the crowd applauded. Schoorel went on to hold his serve, but Federer sealed the win in the next game. He successfully pulled off the shot - also known as a “tweener” - at the previous two U.S. Opens, at last year’s Shanghai Masters and at the 2007 Dubai Open.
In the second round, Federer plays Swiss compatriot, Marco Chiudinelli, who beat Reda El Amrani 3-6, 7-6 (3), 6-3. The 16-time Grand Slam champion struggled in the first set against Schoorel, and had to save three set points when trailing 4-5 in the first set.
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