Third-seed Roger Federer began his campaign at this week’s Swiss Indoors Basel with a 6-4, 6-2 victory over Adrian Mannarino of France. Federer is aiming to gain enough ranking points to qualify for the season-ending ATP World Tour Finals. The Swiss Maestro has two more tournaments left in the calendar (Paris – next week).
The 32-year old is aiming to win his sixth Swiss Indoors Basel tournament. He came close to achieving the feat last year but lost to Juan Martin Del Potro.
“I think it was a pretty good performance for a first round,” said Federer. “I had some good spells and some that were tougher. I fought through and stayed positive throughout. I kept playing aggressive, the way I would like to play for the week.”
The Swiss star will next face either Horacio Zeballos or Denis Istomin in the next round.
“Clearly I want to do really well here,” said Federer. “It all kind of started here for me. It’s very special for me. I just need to be careful I don’t put too much pressure on myself. But ever since I was able to win the tournament here in 2006 for the first time, that pressure has kind of gone. Now, it’s about enjoying it.”
