Federer routs Kohlschreiber in Monte Carlo Masters

Monte Carlo, Apr. 13 (ANI): Sixteen-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer has started his clay-court season with a bang, dispatching German Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-2, 6-1 in the second round of the Monte Carlo Masters.

The Swiss star, seeded second after Novak Djokovic's withdrawal, slammed forehand winners and performed exquisite drop shots and lobs on the run that few other players can make look so easy.

"Clearly a good start for me into the clay-court season. I was able to do all the things I was hoping to. I was consistent; consistently dangerous, too. I felt well in the offense, and in the defense I was fine," the New Zealand Herald quoted Federer, as saying.

He outplayed Kohlschreiber from the start, breaking his serve to begin both sets and wrapping up the win in only 50 minutes. Kohlschreiber's dejected body language showed he knew it was all over after only a handful of games.

Federer, who has lost to top-ranked Rafael Nadal in the Monte Carlo final from 2006 to 2008, had Kohlschreiber scampering helplessly around center court with a mixture of shots that were beyond the German's reach.

"I managed to vary the game well and not make too many mistakes," said Federer, whose only title win this year was at the Qatar Open in January. (ANI)