rogerfederer.com - A good start after a long break

A good start after a long break

Roger returned from vacation to post a first-round win at the Toronto Masters on Tuesday. Back in action for the first time since his Wimbledon showdown, he celebrated his 25th birthday by easing past Frenchman Paul-Henri Mathieu 6-3 6-4.

After spending a month off savouring a fourth consecutive Wimbledon title at his training and holiday base in Dubai, Roger was typically efficient, improving his season's hardcourt record to 29-1, his only loss coming to Nadal in the Dubai final.

Roger, the 2004 Toronto champion, will next meet in-form Frenchman Sébastien Grosjean (ATP 33), against whom he has won two of four encounters so far.

"I was home last year so it's good to be back on the road again for my birthday," said Roger, who was presented with a cake while the centre court crowd sang Happy Birthday to the eight-times grand slam winner. "I was very relaxed going into today's match, even though I knew the opponent can be very dangerous," he added. "To play so well is always a bit of a surprise in the first round.

"These Masters Series are really, really tough from the first round on. To come through was a good sign."