ATP Australian Open: Roger Federer loses the first set against Marton Fucsovics

World no. 3 and the six-time Australian Open champion Roger Federer trails after the opening set of the fourth-round clash with Marton Fucsovics, with the Hungarian claiming the opener 6-4 in 36 minutes. The Hungarian kept everything under control in his service games and converted the third break chance at 3-3 that secured the set for him. Marton lost only seven points on serve and tamed his shots nicely to stay on the level terms with Roger who couldn't impose his strokes and move the opponent from the comfort zone, just two days after that marathon clash against John Millman that lasted for over four hours. Roger never lost to Marton before and this was only the fourth time that he lost the first set in the fourth round here since 2004. Federer forced an error from Fucsovics in the first game to hold at 30, getting his name on the scoreboard before the Hungarian hit a service winner to bring the second game home and level the score at 1-1.

The third game was shorter than the previous two and Roger clinched it with an ace to move in front again, taking two points on the return in the next game but losing it following a forehand winner from Fucsovics who caught the 20-time Major champion on the wrong foot, something you don't see that often. The Swiss secured another game with well-placed serves that pushed him 3-2 in front, winning a couple of points on the return again in the sixth game but staying on that as Marton locked the scoreboard at 3-3. The Hungarian created three break chances in the seventh game following a costly volley error from Federer at the net, converting the third when Roger failed to defend from a powerful forehand of his rival who moved 4-3 in front.

Firing from all cylinders and especially with his forehand, Fucsovics held at love a few minutes later to cement the break and move 5-3 up, forcing Roger to serve for staying in the set. The Swiss held with a forehand winner to reduce the deficit and prolong the set but only for a couple of minutes, as Marton wrapped up the opener with another powerful hold in the tenth game for a 6-4 after 36 minutes. 

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2RsKWNm