Return to the future

Spotless, in a red polo shirt, anthracite pants and headband, and a mask, of course, Roger Federer went to the Philippe Chatrier to play his first Grand Slam match in a year and a half. The French public received him with a great ovation and afterwards he enjoyed a practical and aesthetic version of the winner of 20 majors. He says that he does not see a winner at Roland Garros and although his rival in his debut, the Uzbek Denis Istomin (34 years and 204th in the world), it does not serve to measure his true moment of form, the Swiss looked fine, well physically, agile and with that innate elegance that he has or does not have.

To win 6-3, 6-4 and 6-3 in 83 minutes (the shortest duel in the men’s team) the Genius of Basel played directly (48 winners, eight direct serve), without fear of error and with an infinite class. In the second round, the Croatian Cilic or the French Rinderknech awaits him.

The star has only played five games this year and had just lost against the Spanish giant killer Pablo Andújar, who on Sunday got off the fourth seed of the tournament, Dominic Thiem. Istomin, who had to play the previous one, could not or did not know how to take advantage of the moment and lost again (8-0 on the balance now) against Federer, who to tell the truth gave him very few options.

“I’ve been better than in other games”

“I am good at playing against Denis,” acknowledged the winner. “A pleasure to be back, it took me a little time, a lot of rehabilitation and time, but it is a pleasure to return to Paris and see you again, “said the Swiss, who was happy.” I have been better than in other games, I have been able to maintain the good game, I have varied it to avoid its dominance from the bottom “, he added still on the track where he presented the spectators with some excellent shots. What’s more, He barely wore out and in Paris he has days off between rounds. Watch out for Roger.

Results, table and calendar.