Federer survives scare against Berrer
BASEL, Switzerland: Roger Federer found himself in danger of a rare second successive defeat on Tuesday before recovering to beat Germany's Michael Berrer 6-1 3-6 6-3 in the opening round of the Swiss Indoors.
Following his surprise loss to David Nalbandian in Sunday's Madrid Masters final, the world No 1 had seemed back to his ferocious best as he ripped through the opening set.
Beginning the defence of his hometown title with two aces and two service winners, the Swiss dropped just three points on serve while twice breaking his left-handed opponent.
But Federer then found himself trailing 4-0 in the second set after a string of uncharacteristic errors combined with some bold strokes by the world No 56.
Federer broke back in the next game but was unable to salvage the set.
Faced with the prospect of losing two successive tour matches for the first time since May 2003, the world No 1 was rescued when Berrer double-faulted at break point to fall 4-2 behind.
Federer still struggled to kill the match off and was taken to deuce at 5-3 before finally serving out with an ace and a service winner.
"It's almost laughable that I have to explain why I lost a set," Federer said in an on-court interview.
"The balls are quite a bit slower here than in Madrid but I'm sure I'll get used to it and play better in the second round.
"Now I'm through the first round and I have a day off on Wednesday - so everything is perfect really."
Spanish third-seed David Ferrer and Argentine seventh-seed Juan Ignacio Chela both failed to join Federer in the second round.
Ferrer was upset 6-4 7-6 by Argentine world No 51 Agustin Calleri while Chela was beaten 6-3 6-4 by Austrian world No 55 Stefan Koubek.
Despite his defeat, Ferrer remains in strong shape to qualify for the season-ending Masters Cup.
The Spaniard is sixth in the race for the event's eight qualifying berths.
He is also a comfortable 97 points ahead of ninth-placed compatriot Tommy Robredo, who cannot pick up any additional points this week after suffering his own first-round defeat in Lyon on Tuesday.
The picture is looking less bright for Chela, whose own slim hopes of a Masters Cup place all but disappeared on Tuesday.
Agencies
(China Daily 10/25/2007 page24)
