Federer/Zhang win on team debut
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E-mail Shanghai Daily, October 8, 2013
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Roger Federer (top), with his partneRoger Federer (top), with his partner Zhang Ze, hits a shot to Kevin Anderson and Dmitry Tursunov in a doubles match at the Shanghai Masters yesterday in Minhang District. Federer and Zhang won in straight sets. |
Roger Federer and Zhang Ze already look like a veteran pairing as they defeated Kevin Anderson and Dmitry Tursunov 6-2, 6-1 in just 46 minutes in doubles at the Shanghai Masters yesterday in Minhang District.
Zhang, China's top-ranked male player, quickly found his rhythm as he hit a return winner to secure the first point of the match. They went on to break Anderson in the game and Federer then held serve as the pair went up 2-0.
The crowd made it clear they wanted Zhang and Federer to advance to the next round. They applauded loudly every time the duo won a point.
Zhang held serve to make it 3-1 and after losing the next game. Federer and the young Chinese rattled off three straight games to close out the first set.
Federer showed why he has 17 Grand Slam singles titles on his resume with some deft play at the net in the second set.
They quickly built a 4-0 lead and Zhang ended the match with a smash.
"He hit every return perfectly, he didn't miss any first serves," said Federer, who was obviously happy with his partner's performance. "With the winning smash at the end, I think he is the player of the match.
"I'm very happy for my partner today," Federer added.
Zhang, ranked No. 182 in singles, admited he was a bit nervous at the start, fearing he might "drag the leg of the king."
In singles matches, Gael Monfils of France beat Tatsuma Ito of Japan 6-3, 6-2. American John Isner overcame Santiago Giraldo of Colombia 4-6, 7-5, 7-5 and 11th-seeded Tommy Haas of Germany defeated American Sam Querrey 6-4, 6-4 in a late match.
All outdoor matches were canceled due to the storm.
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