Number two seed Swiss maestro Roger Federer returns to the ATP Tour with his opening match against British number one Daniel Evans, in the second round of the ATP Doha Open on Wednesday, March 10th. The match begins at around 6.30 pm local time (3.30 pm BST or 10.30 am Eastern Time). Get the live streaming options of this Roger Federer v Dan Evans match along with its preview, head to head, and tips here.
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Roger Federer v Daniel Evans Head to Head
This will be the fourth meeting between both players, with Federer leading the head-to-head 3-0. Incidentally, all their meetings have been at the majors, with Federer winning in straight sets at Wimbledon, the Australian Open and the US Open.
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The Much Awaited Return Of Roger Federer
The holder of twenty grand slams, 103 ATP tiles and much more, Roger Federer returns to the ATP Tour after a 14-month absence with two knee surgeries during the pandemic. This will be his first appearance on the tour since his Australian Open semi-final loss to Novak Djokovic in January 2020.
A three-time winner here in Doha, Federer chose this as the venue for his return, given the outdoor hard courts, the warm weather and the somewhat low key set-up of an ATP 250. However, the presence of Roger Federer makes any place non-low key given the buzz that comes with it.
The media coverage has focussed largely on the presence of the Swiss here this week and from all that has been heard and said, Federer seems ready and raring to go. He has talked about the struggles with the recovery twice over last year, but also spoken to how well the last few weeks and most of 2021 thus far has gone, with the fitness, practice, no bothersome knee pain and playing points and sets.
Up against Dan Evans against whom he has not only a 3-0 head-to-head, but also played 20 odd sets in the last few weeks, the Swiss will believe this is a good match-up both historically and on current form. Coming in with minimal expectations, Federer has talked of the lead-up to the grass swing as more of a build-up and a barometer to see where his match play remains and hopes to be at 100% by the summer and especially by Wimbledon.
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Evans Plays His Most Recent Practice Partner
Britain’s number one ranked player Dan Evans has had a fairly decent run in recent times and is currently ranked a career high world number 28. Ranked outside the top 500 in the world and referred to as the Bad Boy of British tennis a few years ago, it has been an impressive and positive second wind for Evans.
2021 was off to a good start for him, winning the ATP 250 in Melbourne defeating the likes of Borna Coric and Felix Auger-Aliassime en route. It was a disappointing Aussie Open that followed, with a opening round loss to countryman Cameron Norrie somewhat surprisingly.
In a repeat of his Melbourne 250 semi-final, Evans played the in-form Frenchman Jerimy Chardy in the opener here in Doha and won in a deciding third set, with Chardy looking somewhat compromised with his hamstring. Up against Roger Federer next, the Briton will have the added benefit of having been Federer’s most recent practice partner for a considerable amount of time in recent weeks, giving him a good gauge of where the Swiss’ current level is.
Federer v Evans Prediction and Tip
A much awaited match here, given the return of Federer, with a lot of expectations, yet without knowing what to expect from the maestro. While one can expect Federer to be rusty after the prolonged absence, he will probably also be well rested and ready to go. Incidentally, he plays the man against whom he has just played 20 odd sets in practice.
On paper, Federer is the favorite but when you return to tour after 14 months at age 39, you could still perhaps be the favorite. Expect a winning return for Roger Federer.
Tip: Federer to win in three sets: 3/1 (bet365)
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The 2021 ATP Doha Open will be played from March 8 to 14. You can watch & bet on these matches here. Get your latest premium tennis predictions here.
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