Federer keeps his momentum going

Roger Federer handed a master-class lesson to the nineteen-year-old Frances Tiafoe who, despite being in awe of the great Swiss whom he idolised, put up a good performance in what must have been a trying occasion for the teenager.

IŠ—Èm playing better tennis. I feel that IŠ—Èm playing good here.

Roger Federer handed a master-class lesson to the nineteen-year-old Frances Tiafoe who, despite being in awe of the great Swiss whom he idolised, put up a good performance in what must have been a trying occasion for the teenager.

However, Tiafoe showed that he had the potential to push for the top levels of the game but lacked experience which Federer was able to exploit once he had the measure of the American youngster.

Federer won 7-6(2) 6-3 as he continued his remarkable run since coming back from injury at the start of the season, but was surprised in the first set by TiafoeŠ—Ès strong serving and tenacity which forced him into a tiebreak where he took control of the match.

Later Federer was full of praise for the youngster and hoped he had gained valuable experience. Š—“I hope heŠ—Ès going to learn a lot from a match like this just because playing on a centre court with a lot of people, under pressure, saving break points, making break points, playing breakers. ThatŠ—Ès what itŠ—Ès about, and it should feed a player like him with a lot of energy moving forward,Š— the 18-time grand slam champion said.

The 35-year-old, who this year has now won 14 matches with just one loss, is on course for his third Miami title having won in 2005 and 2006. His next hurdle is in the giant form of the Argentine, Juan Martin del Potro with whom he has had some epic battles in the past.

The reigning US Open champion Stan Wawrinka also got off to a solid start, beating ArgentinaŠ—Ès Horacio Zeballos 6-3 6-4.

As the top seed in the absence of both Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic, both nursing elbow injuries, he is also on course to make the final.

Š—“IŠ—Èm playing better tennis. I feel that IŠ—Èm playing good here. I took the confidence from Indian Wells. So letŠ—Ès see, when IŠ—Èm playing well, when I am confident with my game, I know I can beat anybody,Š— said Wawrinka.

Š—“It has been quite tough conditions these last few days here. Raining, really windy today. ItŠ—Ès really windy on the court, so itŠ—Ès never easy.

Š—“IŠ—Èm happy the way I was moving, the way I was playing, and my attitude in general was really positive,Š— added Wawrinka, who next faces TunisiaŠ—Ès Malek Jaziri, a 6-3 4-6 6-3 winner over SpainŠ—Ès Feliciano Lopez.

AustraliaŠ—Ès Nick Kyrgios also progressed enjoying a 6-4 6-3 win over Bosnian Damir Dzumhur.