Roger Federer admitted he had to calm his nerves to beat Ilya Ivashka in the first round of the ATP 500 event in Halle.The 20-time major winner defeated the Belarusian qualifier 7-6 (7-4), 7-5 in his first grass court match since Wimbledon in 2019.
“[I] had a tough moment early on in the first set when he had break points, so that was crucial to get out of those,” Federer said in his on-court interview.
“And then I played a really good tiebreak, which I was happy about. I think as the match went on I started to create more opportunities and started to also calm my nerves a bit.
“Overall, I think I served very well. Clearly, I can always be a little bit better, but I’m very happy and excited that I was able to get through the first one.
“I missed it. I hadn’t played a tournament in two years on this surface. I’ve done the hard courts, I’ve done the clay and now [I am] on the grass.
“It’s been great being back here in Halle. I love playing here. I’m excited to be back on the green grass. And getting a win is obviously always very nice.”
The 39-year-old Swiss will face either Felix Auger-Aliassime or Hubert Hurkacz in the second round.
