Federer scrapes through

World number one Roger Federer overcame a stubborn opponent in Serb qualifier Viktor Troicki 7-6 7-6 to reach the third round of the Japan Open on Wednesday.

Federer looked comfortable but not outstanding in his first match in Japan but raced through the first set tie-break to the loss of just two points.

The Swiss failed to overpower his 276th-ranked opponent in the second set as well, until the second set tie-break when he finally showed his class.

“I made it hard on myself,” Federer said.

“Thank God I have the ability to play well when I really need it. It was a tough match and I'm really happy to come through.”

Federer took his win-loss record for the year to 73-5 in setting up a third round clash with defending Japan Open Wesley Moodie – who earlier defeated Stefan Koubek 6-3 6-4.

“It was my first match and I wanted to play it safe a bit,” Federer added.

“I didn't want to take too many risks … I wanted to get a rhythm for myself.”

Germany's Benjamin Becker – best known for beating Andre Agassi in his last match at last month's US Open – will face Jiri Novak after dispatching Thailand's Danai Udomchoke 6-2 6-1. Novak saw off Andy Murray 6-3 7-6.

Meanwhile second seed Tommy Robredo of Spain booked his place in the last 16 with a convincing 6-4 6-1 win over Taiwanese qualifier Lu Yen-hsun.

Finland's Jarkko Nieminen also advanced to the third round, the fifth seed beating German Lars Burgsmuller 7-5 7-6 in windy conditions on an outside court.

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