Federer marches on

2006-03-13 11:17

Indian Wells, California - World No 1 Roger Federer took his first step toward a third straight Indian Wells Masters Series title on Sunday with a straight-set win over Chile's Nicolas Massu.

Despite his overwhelming dominance of the men's tour, Federer said he was just glad to get through his tournament opener, advancing to the third round with a 6-3 7-6 (7/4) victory over Massu.

"I'm always worried about crashing out in the early rounds," Federer said, "To have to explain why. I'm happy I don't have to do that. I go to so many tournaments as titleholder, and always to back it up, it's never easy."

After a first-round bye, Federer was facing a player who warmed up for the marqee clash by saving five match points in his first-round win over Agustin Calleri.

But Federer had little trouble in the opening set, earning the crucial break in the sixth game to lead 4-2 and finishing it off with an ace on set point.

Federer missed two chances

In the second, neither player could muster a break of serve, Federer missing on two chances and Massu on his lone opportunity. They traded three love service games to take the match to the tiebreaker.

Federer muscled a backhand down the line to give himself a 6-3 lead, but netted a backhand volley before Massu sailed a forehand long.

"I wasn't too pleased when I saw the draw, because he beat me one time before," Federer said. "He's a tough competitor, and I"m happy to be through because it was a good match."

Second-seeded Spaniard Rafael Nadal, who conquered Federer in a three-set final at Dubai last week, was also happy to make it through his first match, but said he'd have to play better than he did in a 6-4 6-4 victory over Czech Jan Hernych.

"The first match always is very difficult," said the 19-year-old French Open champion, adding that swirling winds on the stadium court made things even tougher.

"Very difficult to play like this," said Nadal, who nabbed one break of serve in each set to pocket the victory. "I didn't feel good."

Eight-time Grand Slam champion Andre Agassi, sidelined late last season and early in 2006 by a nagging ankle injury, downed compatriot Paul Goldstein 6-4 4-6 6-2.

- AFP