Roger Federer Rolls In Basel Opener; Rafael Nadal v Grigor Dimitrov Wednesday

Roger Federer looked sharp in an easy 6-1, 6-2 win over Mikhail Kukushukin in his Basel opener on Tuesday. The defending champion is coming off an early exit in Shanghai, so a win today was key.

“Clearly, it was an important victory,” said Federer. “Losing today wouldn’t have been great for my confidence. I feel no effects from losing in Shanghai. I hope this match is a stepping stone to greater things this week. I’ve played so well over the years here in Basel.”

Federer is seeking a seventh title in his hometown and a 10th straight appearance in the final. He’ll next face Philipp Kohlschreiber who was a 3-set winner over Jerzy Janowicz.

David Goffin advanced as did John Isner and London longshot Richard Gasquet. Grigor Dimitrov was also a winner. The fledgeling Bulgarian beat Sergiy Stakhovsky 6-3, 6-4 to set up a Wednesday showdown against Rafael Nadal.

Also tomorrow, Borna Coric faces Kevin Anderson and Stan Wawrinka tests the dangerous Ivo Karlovic.

It’s never easy to play him, especially this year when he is playing the best tennis of his career,” said Wawrinka. “He has a lot of confidence. Playing him in Cincinnati was a really close match. You don’t have many chances when you play him, for sure. You need to take what you get and play well from the first point, because you’re under a lot of pressure.

“You know that you’re not going to have many chances to break his serve. You need to find your rhythm from the beginning, to play really aggressive on your serve. It’s going to be a tough challenge, that’s for sure.”

Dimitrov won! ICYMI: I had the chance to talk to him yesterday: https://t.co/QLcF0cv0R1 pic.twitter.com/yGMgpb7t2e

— Svenja Mastroberardi (@svenja_mastro) October 27, 2015

WEDNESDAY BASEL SCHEDULE
CENTRE COURT start 2:00 pm
[7] M. Cilic (CRO) vs [WC] M. Chiudinelli (SUI)

Not Before 4:00 pm
[4] K. Anderson (RSA) vs B. Coric (CRO)

Not Before 6:00 pm
I. Karlovic (CRO) vs [2] S. Wawrinka (SUI)

Not Before 8:00 pm
G. Dimitrov (BUL) vs [3] R. Nadal (ESP)
[WC] H. Laaksonen (SUI) / L. Margaroli (SUI) vs [4] M. Matkowski (POL) / N. Zimonjic (SRB)