Roger Federer’s clay-court return ended in a 6-4 4-6 6-4 defeat to Pablo Andujar in Geneva.
The highly-anticipated return of Roger Federer was upon us on the clay-courts of Geneva as he took on Pablo Andujar.
It was Federer’s first match since losing to eventual Doha champion Nikoloz Basilashvili in Doha in March.
His first opponent was 35 year-old Pablo Andujar, who was familiar on clay and had no problems showing Federer that in the early stages of the match.
The Spaniard’s solid aggressive style with impressive defence would test the world number eight’s clay court prowess.
Both players’ held comfortably however Federer’s first serve percentage of 40% was bound to get tested at some point and that’s exactly what happened in the 10th game.
Some big hitting from Andujar saw the Spaniard take advantage of poor serving from Federer as he broke to take the opening set 6-4 in 37 minutes.
In the second set, Federer came roaring back and started to dictate points from inside the baseline. A break in the third game gave him the crucial advantage.
A much cleaner set on serve and hitting winners with his forehand helped as he closed out the set also 6-4.
In the final set, Federer’s defensive skills took centre stage as an unbelievable forehand flick past Andujar saw him get the crucial break for 2-1.
Both players followed with comfortable service holds and after Federer lead 4-2 it looked like it was going to be an easy finish to victory.
But this is not the vintage Roger Federer we are used to and soon enough unforced errors mixed with a lack of first serves handed Andujar a lifeline as he broke back for 4-4.
Andujar was patient and used his forehand well to create space, while Federer’s defensive skills were saving him there was no consistent depth to his shots.
An erratic last game saw the Spaniard take his third match point and a fourth game in a row to seal a big win.
For Federer it’s back to the drawing board as he is yet to win in his comeback to the ATP Tour as he heads to Roland Garros next.
As for Andujar he plays Dominic Stricker, who shocked Marin Cilic today, or Marton Fucsovics in the quarter-finals.
