Roger Federer returned to the Hopman Cup in 2017, representing Switzerland alongside Belinda Bencic and winning two titles in 2018 and 2019. This past year marked the latest edition of the famous team competition, and Federer didn’t feel like the ATP Cup early on. of 2020, skipping the inaugural ATP event and heading to Melbourne without matches on his legs.
The Swiss faced Steve Johnson in their first meeting at the 21st Australian Open, and his expectations were relatively low before the first clash of the season. Unlike his main rivals Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Daniil Medvedev, Roger took a different path and stayed at home in Dubai.
Fighting for the seventh Australian Open title and 16 years after the first, Roger admitted that he was in a difficult situation before facing the opponent who claimed a Challenger title just before Melbourne.
Roger Federer did not play matches prior to the 2020 Australian Open.
Still, the Swiss hoped to make the best start and get into the rhythm of victory ahead of more formidable opponents while taking one match at a time.
Federer beat Johnson 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 in 81 minutes for a perfect start despite his concerns. Placing 80% of the first serve, Roger fired ten aces and lost just 12 points on serve, dodging a solo break opportunity and increasing the pressure on the American who couldn’t deal with it.
Federer added 30 winners and 13 unforced errors, keeping everything under control with service and forehand and mixing his game very well. Pushing hard on the return, Roger won nearly half of the points in Johnson’s games, delivering five breaks of eight chances to hold the strings in his hands and march into the second round.
“I’m facing Steve Johnson, by the way, for those who care. I don’t know, I thought that’s why I’m in Australia, but that’s okay. Look, it’s precisely the complicated situation right now, playing someone who has just play a lot this week and who is ready to play.
He is ready for the game, and I am not. I have to make sure I get out of the doors quickly. The practice has gone well; I had a lot of time to control myself and do whatever I had to do to prepare, and I hope that’s enough.
I know it is a very long road to victory; that’s why I have to take one game at a time. My expectations are quite low, “said Roger Federer.
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