THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
DOHA, Qatar — Roger Federer added to his repertoire of through-the-legs winners on his way to beating Dutch qualifier Thomas Schoorel 7-6 (3), 6-3 at the Qatar Open in his first official match of the season.
After a sluggish first set, the No. 2-ranked Swiss hit form in the second. Leading 5-2 and faced with a ball which changed direction after clipping the top of the net, Federer flicked it through his legs for a clean winner into the corner.
The 21-year-old Schoorel, playing only his second ATP-level match, managed a smile as the crowd applauded, and although Schoorel went on to hold his serve, Federer sealed the win in the next game.
Federer has successfully pulled off the shot — also known as a “tweener” — four times previously.
In the second round, Federer plays Swiss compatriot Marco Chiudinelli who beat Reda El Amrani 3-6, 7-6, 6-3.