Federer Opens Melbourne Campaign With Masterclass

Defending champion Roger Federer started his 2018 campaign for a sixth Australian Open crown on Tuesday night with a confident, masterful performance on Rod Laver Arena.

The World No. 2, who is competing in his 19th tournament at Melbourne Park, defeated Aljaz Bedene of Slovenia 6-3, 6-4, 6-3 in one hour and 40 minutes. The Swiss star is now 88-13 lifetime at the first Grand Slam championship of the year.

Federer will next challenge Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff, who hit 45 winners, including 19 aces, past wild card Soonwoo Kwon of South Korea in a 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 victory in 77 minutes.

Federer broke Bedene’s serve in the fourth game in the first set and won 16 of his 20 first-service points, including three straight love holds. The 36-year-old broke seized control of the match with a break at the start of the second set to leave Bedene winless in six appearances in Melbourne.

Twelve months ago, Federer beat Rafael Nadal in the Australian Open final and won seven trophies overall in 2018.

“I am hoping for another good year,” said Federer, who has won 20 Grand Slam championships. “I am not sure it will go that well because I’m a year older, Rafa’s looking in tip-top shape and others guys are coming back.

“Last year was a fairytale and I can’t control everything. I am hoping to stay healthy and give myself chances and hope to play my very best in the big matches.”