Roger Federer wins opener at Dubai Tennis Championships

Jan 29, 2017; Melbourne, Australia; Roger Federer celebrates with the trophy after defeating Rafael Nadal and winning the Australian Open. Mandatory credit: Martin Richard/Presse Sports via USA TODAY NETWORK
Jan 29, 2017; Melbourne, Australia; Roger Federer celebrates with the trophy after defeating Rafael Nadal and winning the Australian Open. Mandatory credit: Martin Richard/Presse Sports via USA TODAY NETWORK /
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Roger Federer is back in action this week at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. He wins his opening round match over Benoit Paire.

Roger Federer is playing in the 2017 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.

The Australian Open men’s singles champion is the No. 3 seed in the tournament. His opening round match came against the world No. 39, Benoit Paire.

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Federer defeats Paire 6-1, 6-3.

The 35-year-old Swiss tennis player is playing in his first tournament since the Grand Slam title win at Melbourne Park. While Federer is largely considered among the greatest to ever play the sport, he finds himself seeded behind both Andy Murray and fellow countryman, Stan Wawrinka.

Murray is the world No. 1 and Wawrinka the current world No. 3.

The world No. 1 should be on high alert for both Federer and Wawrinka this week. Both Swiss tennis players are former champions at the tournament with Wawrinka coming in as the defending champion. Federer has won three of the last five titles in Dubai to go along with several titles earned at the tournament earlier in his career.

All signs point toward a continuation of strong tennis for Roger Federer. His opening round win is just what he was looking for in Dubai. Both Murray and Wawrinka are in action tomorrow. The tournament is also Murray’s first since the Australian Open. He saw a fourth round exit at Melbourne Park this year.

It is becoming readily apparent that world No. 1 will need to contend with the likes of Federer throughout all of 2017. If he can remain healthy, Roger Federer must be considered a strong contender at any tournament he plays in.

Stay tuned to see how action unfolds at the ATP Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.

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