Federer fights back to avoid upset in Miami

Roger Federer rallied from a set down to beat Moldovan surprise package, Radu Albot, in a stuttering start to the 20-times Grand Slam champion’s Miami Open campaign on Saturday.

Federer, beaten by Dominic Thiem in last week’s BNP Paribas Open final, smashed 14 aces and broke Albot twice to advance to the third round 4-6 7-5 6-3.

But it was far from plain sailing for the 37-year-old against the world number 46 in the match which lasted two hours and 10 minutes.

After dropping the first set, Federer broke Albot while leading 6-5 in the second with a backhand volley winner.

Albot could not convert a break point in the deciding set tied at 3-3, and the Swiss took command from there to wrap up the match.

Three-times Miami champion, Federer, finished with 38 winners but had to overcome 41 unforced errors to defeat Albot, who earned an ovation from the crowd for his efforts. (NAN)