Federer needs 3 sets to win Swiss opener

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(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-10-22 17:11

BASEL, Switzerland -- Roger Federer capitalized on his strong serve Tuesday to beat 86th-ranked Bobby Reynolds of the United States 6-3, 6-7 (6), 6-3 in the first round of the Swiss Indoors.

Roger Federer of Switzerland returns the ball to Andy Murray of Britain during their semi-final match at the Madrid Masters Series tennis tournament October 18, 2008. [Agencies]

The top-seeded Swiss had a match point in the second-set tiebreaker despite trailing 5-1. For the match, he did not face a break point.

"It was more like a serving contest," Federer said. "He served in all corners pretty well. I was never really under pressure the entire match on my serve and that was the key. I could stay calm even if I lost the second set."

Davis Cup teammates David Nalbandian and Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina also advanced, both winning in straight sets.

The second-seeded Nalbandian beat Albert Montanes of Spain 6-4, 6-2, and the third-seeded Del Potro defeated George Bastl of Switzerland 6-2, 6-4.

Earlier, Simone Bolelli of Italy downed seventh-seeded Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic 6-4, 7-5; lucky loser Andreas Beck of Germany defeated Nicolas Devilder of France 6-4, 6-4; and Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany beat compatriot Denis Gremelmayr 6-4, 7-6 (5).