TENNIS: Roger Federer took his first step towards a record-equalling 14th grand slam title with a 6-1 7-6 7-5 victory over Italy's Andreas Seppi in the first round of the Australian Open today.
The world number two, seeking to equal Pete Sampras's grand slam-title record of 14 and also secure his fourth win at Melbourne Park, romped through the first set but was made to work hard by the world number 35, who squandered several break opportunities throughout the match.
"He's a very tough customer, he played really well," Federer said in a courtside interview. "I think I played well, he's a quality player, I'm very happy.
"Last year I was struggling to get fit for the tournament (and) this year I had much more preparation (in Dubai).
"I feel like I know where my game is."
Federer proved he was in good touch, producing an audacious overarm forehand in the fifth game. He first turned and then while running at full speed glanced over his shoulder to see Seppi's positioning as the Italian approached the net and then passed him down the line.
The shot drew a sustained round of applause from the crowd and a wry grin from the 27-year-old Swiss.
Seppi produced a better performance in the second set, holding a set point on Federer's serve at 6-5, though as the pair traded shots down the line both appealed each other's shot with Seppi's adjudged out on television review to return the score to deuce and his advantage was lost.
While the Italian traded shot for shot with Federer in some long rallies during the tiebreak, the second seed took a decisive 3-1 break that he extended before sealing the set 7-4.
Seppi again refused to be intimidated and on several occasions matched Federer, though his ultimate failure was converting break points when he had the opportunity.
Five times Seppi could have broken serve and possibly forced the match into a fourth set, and on five occassions Federer held him off.
Federer held a match point in the 10th game but was unable to convert and then two further chances in the 12th, one of which he sent long while Seppi saved the other with a powerful forehand cross-court winner.
The former world number one, however, was not to be held off any longer and when he set up his fourth match point he sealed victory when Seppi sent a backhand over the baseline.
Federer will next meet Russian qualifier Evgeny Korolev, who upset former world number one Carlos Moya of Spain 6-3 6-1 7-6.