Federer makes winning return at Melbourne Park

Reuters: Roger Federer made a winning return to competitive tennis after six months out of the game on Monday, thrilling a packed Rod Laver Arena as he beat qualifier Juergen Melzer 7-5 3-6 6-2 6-2 to reach the Australian Open second round. 

The Swiss had to battle hard throughout the match against his fellow 35-year-old and only pulled clear of his dogged opponent when the Austrian tired in the final set. 

Even Federer could be forgiven a little rustiness after his prolonged absence due to a knee injury and he made 36 unforced errors in his two hours and six minutes on court. 

There were, though, plenty of reminders of the brilliant shot-making that have helped Federer to 17 grand slam titles and his 46 to 26 advantage over Melzer in the winner count told the tale of what was ultimately a comfortable win. 

The crowd cheered everyone to the rafters and, while that pleased Federer, he was clearly just delighted to be back doing what he does best. 

“I definitely see things a bit different when you’ve been gone for a long time or when you’ve come back from injury,” he told reporters. 

“It was great to be out there. I really enjoyed myself, even though it wasn’t so simple.