Federer recovers to edge past Pless

Players Under the Microscope / Editor / 27 February 2007 / Leave a Comment

withstood an early scare before beating Kristian Pless in the first round of the Dubai Open.

The unstoppable Swiss star, playing in his first match since the Australian Open final, was forced into a tie-break in the first set but then lost the second before composing himself and eventually seeing off the gallant Pless 7-6 (7-2) 3-6 6-3.

Victory meant world number one Federer finally beat Jimmy Connors' 30-year-old record as the longest reigning top-ranked player with victory.

Federer was presented with a Waterford crystal vase, a traditional silver Arabian dagger, an honourary lifetime membership of the Dubai Aviation Club and a large cake before the match.

"It's a great day. I slept in and everything, and got nice presents," said Federer.

"It was the usual Dubai first round. It's always rough here for some reason. The court is so quick and there were just no rallies.
"I didn't want to get frustrated especially after not getting competitive matches for one month. I wasn't really nervous at all. I was just looking to get my reactions going.

"But the guy (Pless) played well, and I am just happy I am through. It's the first set of the year I have lost."
Federer is the outright 1.37 favourite to win the Dubai Open and will face either Austria's Oliver Marach (400) or Daniele Bracciale (310) of Italy.