Federer battles past Rochus

Roger Federer made an uncertain start to his clay-court campaign before getting the better of Olivier Rochus.

Swiss star fights back after losing opening set

Roger Federer made an uncertain start to his clay-court campaign before getting the better of Olivier Rochus in Estoril. The world number one has yet to win a tournament this season after struggling with a bout of glandular fever and he looked rusty as he returned to the court in Portugal. He lost the first set to Rochus, the Belgian world number 77, but recovered to earn a 4-6 6-3 6-2 victory. After a year without a coach, Federer this week linked up with clay specialist Jose Higueras as he steps up his preparations for the French Open - the only Grand Slam event he has yet to win. Federer will meet Victor Hanescu of Romania in the second round. "Getting through a match like this is good, especially being down a set," said Federer. "I had to come back and fight, but the reward was great. I played well towards the end."