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Federer makes perfect start in Montreal


 

Originally published on 09/08/17 00:00

It was the Swiss maestro’s first outing since he won an unprecedented 8th Wimbledon title last month, but he showed no signs of rust as he dismissed his lowly ranked opponent in just 53 minutes.

“It was quite a calm day yesterday,” said Federer when asked what he did on his birthday. “I spent my day with my team and I just practiced here for a while. Yesterday evening, we had a meal all together, and we went to see Coldplay.”

Federer was at his fluid best from the outset as he imposed his attack-minded game on his overawed rival. Polansky, who has reached three Challenger Tour finals this year, made an inauspicious start and never really settled.

Two double-faults in his opening service game did little to help the Canadian’s cause and he was soon trailing 3-0 on the scoreboard. The world No.116 did eventually get his side of the scoreboard ticking over however he barely troubled the Swiss in a one-sided opener.

In their only previous meeting in 2014 – also at the Rogers Cup in Canada – Polansky managed to pick up just two games but he was able to surpass that total this time.

The 29-year-old avoided a dreaded second set bagel as he pocketed one more game to improve on his last showing with the Swiss – but it was scant consolation.

The 19-time Grand Slam winner, who was excellent in the forecourt, will play David Ferrer next, who recorded an impressive 7-6(7) 3-6 6-1 win over Jack Sock.

In other news, Andy Murray was expected to return to action in Cincinnati next week but he announced this afternoon that he will not be involved in the last Masters event prior to the US Open.

The Brit is still recovering from a hip injury that blighted his Wimbledon campaign, but he still hopes to be involved in the final Grand Slam of the year.

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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.