Federer relieved to return

14 April 2012

Roger Federer still appears unbeatable after he showed no signs of a torn thigh muscle to defeat Argentina's Gaston Gaudio 6-1, 7-6 in the opening match of the ATP Masters Cup in Houston.

Federer was playing in a tournament for the first time since he beat Andy Roddick in Bangkok early last month to claim his 10th title of the season.

The Swiss star sped through a rain-delayed first set and the match was then interrupted by rain for two hours. Although Gaudio rallied, Federer moved well and eventually clinched the contest in a tiebreaker.

"I am quite relieved to play my first match, to have won it," Federer said. "I'm just happy it's over, win or lose. Now I can build from this and I'm in a good situation."

Federer's world No1 ranking was assured by mid-September when he defeated Australian Lleyton Hewitt in the US Open Final for his third major of the year. In fact, he has been almost unstoppable since he beat Andre Agassi 6-3, 6-0, 6-4 in last year's Masters Cup Final.

Federer added: "I have had a fantastic season. No matter what happens here, I am happy."

Hewitt, twice winner of the Masters Cup, was leading 5-4 and 30-0 against Carlos Moya, of Spain, when their match was suspended because of further rain.

Tim Henman is due to begin his challenge later today against American Roddick.