Roger Federer made a successful return to the grass courts with a hard-fought 7-6(4) 7-5 victory over qualifier Ilya Ivashka at Halle on Monday.
The Swiss has not performed a aggressive match on grass since his Wimbledon ultimate defeat by Novak Djokovic nearly two years in the past, however was shortly again within the routine.
The quest for title No. 11 in Halle begins 🏆@rogerfederer strikes previous Ivashka 7-6(4), 7-5. #NOVENTIOPEN pic.twitter.com/m12CkyQXK8
— ATP Tour (@atptour) June 14, 2021
It was not classic Federer because the 39-year-old didn’t even earn a break level on Ivashka’s serve within the opening set whereas having to save lots of two on his personal supply.
Ivashka saved a match level at 4-5 within the second set however Federer earned three extra at 5-6 and received the job finished as his opponent netted a forehand.
Federer, who has performed solely three tournaments this 12 months as he returns from knee surgical procedure, withdrew from the French Open final week having reached the fourth spherical, stating that he needed to organize for Wimbledon.
He is bidding for an eleventh title in Halle.