DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Back on court, Roger Federer won his first match since claiming his 18th Grand Slam title at the Australian Open.
The third-seeded Federer beat Benoit Paire 6-1, 6-3 on Monday to move into the second round of the Dubai Tennis Championships. Federer, a seven-time Dubai champion who holds a 48-5 record in 13 appearances, missed last year's tournament with a knee injury.
"It's incredible to be back after the knee," Federer said. "I'm standing and I'm here."
Federer was cheered as he walked on court. He maintains a home in Dubai and is viewed as a part-time local in the city.
"It's nice as you're warming up you hear the crowd as they're getting pumped up," Federer said. "You hear music and hear the roars.
"And when you walk out, I don't know, it's a nice feeling to have. It's mutual, because I missed playing here last year."