Rejuvenated Federer strolls through Montreal opener

Montreal, Canada: A rejuvenated Roger Federer believes he is still reaping the benefits of his extended break from tennis after a comfortable opening victory at the ATP Montreal Masters gave him his best start to a season since 2006.

The Swiss star, who celebrated his 36th birthday on Tuesday, swatted aside Canada's world No.116 Peter Polansky 6-2, 6-1 in just 53 minutes to book his place in the second round.

Federer is riding high after a spectacular year which has netted him both the Australian Open and Wimbledon crowns.

On Wednesday’s evidence few would bet against him adding the US Open to that haul after a masterful performance that left Polansky groping at shadows.

A one-sided win gave him a 32-2 start to the season, his best beginning to a campaign since 2006 when he began 38-2 and finished the year at world No.1.

Federer attributed his renaissance to rediscovering full fitness after knee surgery in 2016 and taking a two-month break from the game earlier this year.

“I guess for me the key is that I’m actually healthy,” Federer said.