Federer wins opener at Masters Cup
(AP)
Updated: 2005-11-14 10:39

Federer appeared as if he were going to make it a quick outing. He fought back from triple break point to hold serve in the third game, then broke in the sixth game to capture the opening set.

But Nalbandian, who wasn't even in the tournament until Andy Roddick pulled out with an injury a few days ago, raised his game. Facing break point on his serve in the fifth game, Nalbandian lost just three of the next 19 points to even the match at one set each.

Nalbandian, who beat Federer in their first five meetings but has lost the last three matches, continued the pressure. He lost only two points on his first two serves to begin the third set, and when he broke Federer at 15 in the fourth game, Nalbandian had a 3-1 lead.

That's when Federer showed the sparse crowd at Qi Zhong stadium why he has been the No. 1 player the past two years.

"I took the opportunity he gave me," said Federer, who won five of the last six games. He captured 14 of 18 points to build a 5-3 lead.

"I had no expectations," Federer said. "I was mentally ready for a two-sets defeat."

In one rally, Nalbandian seemed to hit every line before Federer took the point when he jumped on a short ball and rocketed a crosscourt forehand. Another time, Nalbandian was at the net hitting one volley after another before finally winning the point when Federer's crosscourt backhand sailed long.

"I was just getting a little bit worried," Federer said. "But the more matches I play, you know, maybe it's even good it was a three-setter so I really got to get even more match play. I will play better. I'm very sure the next match will be better."