FAA shrugs off slow start as Basel hat-trick beckons

Two-time champion Felix Auger-Aliassime had to work on Wednesday to take the first step towards a hat-trick at the Swiss Indoors, with the Canadian advancing 7-5, 6-1 in his opening match.

FAA, winner of the last two trophies at the St Jakobshalle at an event dominated by hometowner Roger Federer, struggled in a tough opening set which stayed strictly on serve until a break in the final game.

But the eighth seed let loose in the second to dispatch Sebastian Baez with two breaks of serve.

The Canadian who last title came here a year ago, admitted his serving kept him in the chase as he worked his way through the first set.

“It’s good to start the week with a win – it’s what you need to defend the title. I’m happy to get through.

“I was not finding the precision I wanted on my forehand in the first set. But as the match went on it got better and better.

“My serve was rock-solid and I was able to play more aggressively. I was able to keep up consistent serving and give myself chances.”

FAA sent down his eighth ace on second match point to advance in 75 minutes with 21 winners compared to a mere five from his Argentine opponent.

“It’s nice to be back on this court, it brings back a lot of good memories,” the 19th-ranked winner said.