Federer begins Wimbledon preparations with victory in Halle

Roger Federer began his Wimbledon preparations with victory over Belarusian Ilya Ivashka in Halle on Monday.

In his first match since withdrawing midway through the French Open to protect his body, the Swiss was below his best but won 7-6 (7-4), 7-5.

The Halle Open in Germany, which Federer has won a record 10 times, is his fifth event this year as he returns following two knee surgeries in 2020.

It was his first match on grass since losing the 2019 Wimbledon final.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion looked rusty for much of the match - he hit 26 unforced errors to his opponent's 16 - but held serve throughout and was clinical at the crucial moments.

"I served very well. The back is good, I feel fine," Federer said. "It is just the legs, match fitness I am looking forward to.” (BBC)

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