Roger Federer-Zhang Ze win doubles opener at Shanghai Masters

Last Updated: Tuesday, October 08, 2013, 12:27  

Beijing: The wildcard team of Roger Federer and Zhang Ze needed just 48 minutes to beat Kevin Anderson of South Africa and Russian Dmitry Tursunov 6-2, 6-1 in the opening round of the Shanghai Rolex Masters men`s doubles event Monday.

The Swiss/Chinese pairing saved the only break point they faced, and won 91 percent of first serve points.

Federer, the 17-time Grand Slam champion, said his partnership with Zhang was good for tennis in China. "That`s kind of the ultimate goal, to partner up with a Chinese upcoming player and promote the game at the same time."

"I`m just so happy for Zhang Ze. He played really well. I really am, because he couldn`t have played any better."

The Swiss No. 1 said he hoped to see more players from the Asian continent break through.

"We had Paradorn Srichaphan, we have Kei Nishikori from Japan. Hopefully we`ll have more and more players coming up," said Federer.

"By having such a great tournament and all the top players coming here to Shanghai, I think that`s only going to help it. I think we all really want something to happen in a big way in the next 10, 20 years here."

Federer and Zhang face off against fifth seeds Ivan Dodig and Marcelo Melo in the second round.

IANS -------------------- ZEENEWS.com