Federer Breezes In Basel Opener; Wawrinka v Tiafoe Thurs.

Roger Federer cruised in his Basel opener Wednesday. The match, which was the Swiss’s 1,500, was one-way as Federer dominated with a 6-0, 6-3 victory over Radu Albot.

“I’m extremely happy because I really struggled against him in Miami and he definitely got my attention there. I was basically a point away from losing,” said Federer. “It was important for me to show a reaction to that match and come out with a proper game plan. I think I learned a lot from that match.

“I really respect Radu. He tries everything to win in a really tough and great and fair way. I’m very happy with the way I played. I had an answer for everything he threw at me today and that’s great.”

Next for Federer is either Stan Wawrinka or Frances Tiafoe after both won straight set matches Wednesday to advance.

Wawrinka eased past Pablo Cuevas 6-3, 6-4 while Tiafoe came from a break down in the first to deny Dan Evans 6-4, 6-2. Alex De Minaur was also a winner over Taylor Fritz who upset Alexander Zverev in the first round.

“I’m really happy. I was sad to not be able to play the past two years. It was great a match from the beginning to the end. I served really well and was being super aggressive,” Wawrinka said. “It was an amazing crowd, amazing atmosphere and it’s great to play one more day here.”

No. 3 seed Stefanos Tsitsipas returns to face Ricardis Beranakis and Roberto Bautista Agut collides with Richard Gasquet.