|
Federer wins opener at Masters Cup
(AP)
Updated: 2005-11-14 10:39
Federer appeared as if he were going to make it a quick outing. He fought
back from triple break point to hold serve in the third game, then broke in the
sixth game to capture the opening set.
But Nalbandian, who wasn't even in the tournament until Andy Roddick pulled
out with an injury a few days ago, raised his game. Facing break point on his
serve in the fifth game, Nalbandian lost just three of the next 19 points to
even the match at one set each.
Nalbandian, who beat Federer in their first five meetings but has lost the
last three matches, continued the pressure. He lost only two points on his first
two serves to begin the third set, and when he broke Federer at 15 in the fourth
game, Nalbandian had a 3-1 lead.
That's when Federer showed the sparse crowd at Qi Zhong stadium why he has
been the No. 1 player the past two years.
"I took the opportunity he gave me," said Federer, who won five of the last
six games. He captured 14 of 18 points to build a 5-3 lead.
"I had no expectations," Federer said. "I was mentally ready for a two-sets
defeat."
In one rally, Nalbandian seemed to hit every line before Federer took the
point when he jumped on a short ball and rocketed a crosscourt forehand. Another
time, Nalbandian was at the net hitting one volley after another before finally
winning the point when Federer's crosscourt backhand sailed long.
"I was just getting a little bit worried," Federer said. "But the more
matches I play, you know, maybe it's even good it was a three-setter so I really
got to get even more match play. I will play better. I'm very sure the next
match will be better."
|
