AUSTRALIAN OPEN
Sublime Federer breezes through Melbourne opener
Melbourne — Defending champion Roger Federer was quickly into his majestic stride with a straight-sets win over Slovenian Aljaz Bedene in his opening match at the Australian Open on Tuesday. The 36-year-old Swiss turned the evening clash on a packed Rod Laver Arena into an exhibition as he struck 41 winners to breeze past a willing but outclassed Bedene 6-3 6-4 6-3. The only time Federer looked remotely stumped came during a postmatch interview conducted by US comedian Will Ferrell who told him that he had played like a "silky gazelle". "Don’t they get eaten in the end?" Federer ventured before being asked whether he was a witch or a vampire and if his age-defying performances were down to a diet of wombat meat. While Ferrell provided bonus comedy, Federer again proved that when it comes to tennis he is the king of the jungle. Any player hoping to stop him retaining his title and claiming a 20th Grand Slam will have to be pretty special on this evidence. Federer looked just as imper...
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