Federer opens bid for sixth title with win

Roger Federer began his bid for a sixth title at the Swiss Indoors by beating substitute opponent Benjamin Becker 7-5, 6-3 yesterday to reach the second round

The German ranked 83rd with one career title had replaced injured Frenchman Jeremy Chardy as the first opponent for the Swiss home hero and World No 1.

Federer, who has won five of the last six editions at the St Jakobshalle where he got began tennis as a ballboy at the event almost two decades ago, needed to work to get past the persistent Becker, whom he beat in their last two meetings, the last in 2010.u00a0

ADVERTISEMENT

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!