Swiss maestro Federer, Djokovic dominate in Miami

MIAMI,  (Reuters) – After a year’s absence, fifth seeded Roger Federer celebrated his return to the Miami hardcourts with a clinical 6-4 7-6(4) second round win over towering Ivo Karlovic yesterday.

World number two Novak Djokovic, a three-time winner in Miami, launched his bid for a fourth title in impressive fashion, dispatching Frenchman Jeremy Chardy 6-4 6-3.

A two-time winner at Crandon Park, Federer did not visit Miami last year, taking an extended layoff before starting his season. But he looked quite at home, needing just 74 minutes to slay the 6-foot, 11-inch (2.11m) Croatian in a slugfest that featured just one break of serve.

“I was able to play a very clean match on my service games throughout, make sure I had a lot of first serves in, make sure I stayed aggressive from the baseline,” said Federer. “I think it worked really well, hardly any unforced errors.

“There are no long rallies. It’s just like more penalty shootout like in soccer. “It’s about quick reaction, not getting frustrated and feeling that the returner is the one who has got less pressure.”