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Roger Federer claimed his 16th straight victory at his home Swiss Indoors. The top seeded world number one defeated Belgian qualifier Olivier Rochus by 6-3, 6-4 on Monday in just 66 minutes.
The Swiss earned his first two break points with aces, only to see them saved by the battling Belgian. But Federer put away the popular victory as Rochus fired wide to end it.
Federer has not played for six weeks since leading Switzerland to a place in the Davis Cup World Group in September. He missed Asian events last month to rest and get better acquainted with his new family of twin daughters born in last July.
"I haven't played in Switzerland in a year and it's really so great," said a delighted Federer, whose match was introduced by a massed choir and an operatic performance of selections from Aida.
Organisers presented their heroic native son with a set of three mounted miniature gold trophies to represent his title success in 2006, 2007 and 2008.
"I played pretty well today and I'm happy with how it went," said Federer, tuning up for the for next week's Paris Masters and the year-end event in London by playing doubles this week with good friend Marco Chiudinelli.
Federer will next face Italian Andreas Seppi, who earned his place by defeating Swiss number 148 Stephane Bohli 4-6, 6-1, 7-5.
"I felt so good out there," said the World No. 1. "This was my longest break, longer than at the end of a season. But I really needed it," said the winner of Paris and Wimbledon titles at mid-season.
An onslaught of 28 aces went for nought as huge Croatian server Ivo Karlovic was tamed 7-6(5), 6-4 by Frenchman Florent.
Serra, a lucky loser from qualifying rounds, turned the big man's weapon in a superb defensive effort lasting just 67 minutes.
Federer last played on the ATP in the US Open final, scene of his loss to Argentine Juan Del Potro, who withdrew from this week's event due to a continuing wrist problem and a psychological letdown since earning his Grand Slam title over the master.
This week is key for up to ten contenders for the last two spots open in the field, with points earned in Basle, Valencia and next week in the concluding event of the regular season, the Paris Masters, key indicators of who will make the cut for London.
Serb Novak Djokovic, whose only previous Basle appearance was a qualifying loss in 2004, plays as second seed behind Federer with 2005 champion Fernando Gonzales of Chile on third.
Federer now stands 56-8 on the season and has now won his 30th Basle match.
