Wimbledon Champion Roger Federer began his challenge for the Cincinnati Masters with a victory over American James Blake by 7-6 7-5 yesterday.
Federer is using Cincinnati as a rehearsal for the US Open and will meet German Nicolas Kiefer in the next round.
The Swiss maestro was unhappy with his stuttering performance against Blake. He said: "I was disappointed at times where I just couldn't make all the returns I wanted to. It just shows how the eye is not quite there like it was maybe at Wimbledon, obviously, in the finals."
Defending Champion Andre Agassi has pulled out of the event due to a back injury. Andy Roddick defeated Jurgen Melzer of Austria 6-3 6-4 while Tim Henman was triumphant for the first time since his loss at Wimbledon when he defeated Chilean Olympic Champion Nicolas Massu.
