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Federer eases into quarterfinals

Roger Federer has made a winning start in Brisbane, comfortably defeating Jarkko Nieminen in their second-round match at Pat Rafter Arena.
1 January 2014, by brisbaneinternational.com.au/AAP

Roger Federer made a confident start to his first Brisbane International with a 6-4 6-2 win over Finland’s Jarkko Nieminen on Wednesday night.

Despite being his first competitive match for six weeks, Federer was on from the beginning, much to Nieminen’s disappointment.

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“I expect myself to play a bit better in the next match, even though today was already very good for a first match in so many weeks, to be honest, and against Nieminen who can play very good tennis.  Particularly here in Australia he plays well,” said Federer

“So that’s what you kind of take away from it.  You don’t want to overrate, it but you also don’t want to underrate it.”

Nine aces from Federer to just one from Nieminen handed the Swiss a decisive edge. And while each player faced four break points, Federer defended all of his but Nieminen let three slip.

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As the 32-year-old begins his 2014 quest his main concern going into Wednesday’s match against good friend Nieminen was delivering on the expectation that has surrounded his first Brisbane appearance.

The Swiss great said he was hoping to maximise his court time ahead of the Open.

“I just want to move on in the draw, because I would rather present myself four times out there than just one time and then it was a good show,” he said.

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“It’s very special for me playing in front of a crowd that’s maybe never seen me before.

“I’m sure some have, but the majority hasn’t except on TV.”

Federer’s next match will be against Australian No.3 Marinko Matosevic after the Victorian defeated American Sam Querrey earlier in the day.

The former world No.1 was relieved to discover Matosevic was not from Brisbane.

“You never know quite what to expect, if they’re going to come out and be excited,” he said.

“It’s nice seeing that happening, and it’s definitely going to lift my game if it continues this way.”

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