Dubai Duty Free Tennis: Roger Federer – ‘Fans and myself know how special it is for me to be back on the court’

Federer sauntered through his opening round match, defeating Benoit Paire 6-1, 6-3 in 54 minutes, in front of a packed house.

It was the first time Federer had stepped onto court since his Australian Open triumph over Rafael Nadal last month.

“I have played here for so many years, seen the tournament grow,” the 35-year-old told assembled media on Monday night.

“Especially after Australia, fans and myself know how special it is for me to be back on the court. It was a nice welcome. Very thankful always.”

Federer is next in action on Wednesday.