No sweat for focused Federer in crushing familiar foe

Roger Federer crushed a familiar opponent for the 16th successive time as he made an encouraging return to the ATP World Tour after his Australian Open debacle.

The Grand Slam record holder's lively 6-3, 6-1 win over Mikhail Youzhny, a regular practice partner, in the first round of the Dubai Open helped him begin to rebuild after a dispiriting third-round loss in Melbourne.

The Swiss legend served forcefully, striking the ball with surprisingly good rhythm in a stiff breeze, and shortening the rallies by coming to the net successfully on plenty of occasions.