“From Switzerland, please welcome Roger Federer back,” said the Doha Qatar Open speaker as the winner of 20 Grand Slams walked out of the changing room tunnel. of a stadium for the first time in 405 days. Only about 1,000 spectators awaited him due to restrictions imposed by the pandemic on the center court of the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, whose capacity was reduced to 10%. And they applauded him wildly. In the stands, banners of support and, above all, of affection were seen.
It was unfamiliar terrain for the three-time tournament champion, who had played his last match on a packed court at the Australian Open., in the semifinals against Djokovic, oblivious at that time to what would happen later in the whole world. It was noticed when after the first game of his duel against Daniel Evans he ran to pick up his towel, when players must always have a different one on each side of the court. He rectified with a smile and a shrug. “Thanks to the people who have come, I am very happy for my performance,” he said after winning 7-6 (8), 3-6 and 7-5 To the British with a house brand winning reverse, one hand, beautiful and elegant. In quarters, this Thursday (about 4:00 p.m., #Come on) He will face the Georgian Nikoloz Basilashvili.
With a smile from ear to ear, the Swiss did not hide his emotion, the joy for a historical return, for who it is; Because if it is already difficult for a tennis player to return after spending more than 13 months without playing, to do so near the age of 40 (he meets them in August) and with a victory against a good rival, it has merit no matter how much his name is Federer; and because it is the 24th year of professional activity of the Swiss (since 1998) and his 1,243 triumph. Amazing. As is logical, Basel Genius He was seen to be a bit rusty in some movements, and that is why Evans finally won a set on the eleventh attempt (they are 4-0 in the particular balance). “I was a bit tired and Dan had more energy. I thought more about that than about winning the match points (he took advantage of the second) “he confessed before explaining what he looked like. “I don't care what I feel now, but how I am tomorrow, and the next day and the next few months. It is a great challenge to go back to my age and it is not easy. It was worth it, because I played a great game ”.
Intact virtues
The fact is that Federer's virtues are still there. The serve-right combination worked well for him, he went up to the net with enough determination and with the usual class, he simmered his majestic backhand and showed that innate ability he maintains to escape the most complicated moments without fear of inventing something unexpected. Evans, who was training with him in the days leading up to the tournament in Qatar, squeezed him and involuntarily gave him the pace that the Swiss needed. It was a nice start for him and a delight for the fans to see him. You will have to check how he behaves when it comes time to meet a top opponent. He will not be able to make the logical mistakes that were seen in the return. But little more could be asked for performance and results. Everyone celebrates it, because without it tennis is not the same.
Table and results.