Federer eases through, angry Denis Shapovalov out

Six-time Australian Open champion Roger Federer reached the second round at Melbourne Park with a comfortable straight-sets win over Steve Johnson.

The Swiss, 38, beat the American 6-3 6-2 6-2 on Rod Laver Arena.

The third seed was playing his first competitive match since the ATP Finals in November but needed just one hour 21 minutes to progress.

However, Denis Shapovalov, 20, lost his cool in a 6-3 6-7 (7-9) 6-1 7-6 (7-3) defeat by Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics.

The Canadian 13th seed was warned by the umpire for throwing his racquet down and responded: “I’m not breaking any rules.

“It’s my racquet I can do whatever the hell I want with it. What are you talking about, I didn’t break it.

“If I broke it, give me a code, 100%. I didn’t break my racquet. It was a terrible call, do your job.”

Federer, who is chasing a 21st Grand Slam title, will face the winner of French qualifier Quentin Halys against Serbia’s Filip Krajinovic in the next round.

“I am very happy. It is nice to be back here in Australia. I felt really good, so it was a really good first round for me,” Federer said.

“I trained really hard [between seasons], needed some vacation. I am just so happy I didn’t have any setbacks. That sets you up nicely for the season.”

American Sam Querrey also progressed with a 6-3 6-4 6-4 victory over Croatia’s 25th seed Borna Coric, while there were wins for Italian eighth seed Matteo Berrettini and Argentine 22nd seed Guido Pella.

Courtesy- BBC Sports