Roger Federer put on a serving clinic in edging American teen Frances Tiafoe at the Miami Open presented by Itau on Saturday. Making his first appearance in Miami since 2014, Federer reeled off 20 consecutive service points in the first set, claiming 80 per cent overall, to prevail 7-6(2), 6-3.
The two-time champion extended his dominant run in 2017 to 14-1, kicking off his quest for a third title (2005-06) at the Tennis Center at Crandon Park. His 45 match wins in Miami is second only to six-time champion Andre Agassi (61). Less than a week after clinching the Indian Wells crown, Federer is seeking a third Sunshine Double.
"I've hit with Frances maybe twice before. I saw the power he had, the explosivity he had, how he easily can generate pace. He seemed to be fearless, good serving, taking the ball early and making the plays,” said Federer. “What I like to see is when a younger player comes out and really feels he has nothing to lose and only has stuff to gain. I hope he's going to learn a lot from a match like this just because playing on a centre court with a lot of people, under pressure, saving break points, making break points, playing breakers, that's what it's about. It should feed a player like him with a lot of energy moving forward hopefully.
“I think he's going to be really good, like most of the NextGen campaign,” he added. “Plus they're pushing each other up right now. They have a good dynamic. They are quite friendly with one another, yet they have a good rivalry.”
#MoetMoment: Federer's Miami Break
Tiafoe's mettle was tested early and often and the #NextGenATP star responded well, flashing his baseline firepower and trademark charisma. But Federer was undaunted on a windy and overcast late afternoon in South Florida. The first set proceeded to a tie-break and Federer took the immediate mini-break, striking a sharply angled backhand that pulled Tiafoe well off the court.
World No. 101 Tiafoe entertained the home fans with brilliant backhand passes, but the qualifier was broken for 4-2 in the second set and Federer streaked to the finish line from there. A Tiafoe return winner denied his first match point, but a service winner closed out the win after one hour and 13 minutes.
Keeping points short, Federer won the majority of rallies under five shots (47-35) and fired 23 winners in total, including eight aces. A 21st FedEx ATP Head2Head encounter against Juan Martin del Potro awaits in the third round after the Argentine defeated Robin Haase in Saturday's night session.
“I would love to play against (del Potro). I'm happy for him with his comeback, winning at Davis Cup. I should have played him here last year but I was sick. That was a pity. It's better to play him maybe this time around when we're both better,” said Federer. “We've had some epic matches against each other. I'm sure the crowd would love to see it."
A vintage @rogerfederer performance!
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) March 25, 2017
We have a feeling this isn't the last of Frances Tiafoe we'll be seeing... https://t.co/uOv8aOb7Zp
In other action, 22nd seed Sam Querrey completed a 6-2, 6-3 rout of Tommy Robredo in 52 minutes, firing nine aces and converting three of seven break chances. It was the American's first win in five FedEx ATP Head2Head encounters against the Spaniard. Bidding to reach the Round of 16 in Miami for the second time (2013), he will next face 14th seed Roberto Bautista Agut after the Spaniard defeated qualifier Mikhail Kukushkin 6-3, 7-6(3).