(July 17, 2013) --
Roger Federer advanced into the third round of the German Tennis Championships in Hamburg. But it was Federer's new blacked out racquet that drew more attention overall in his three-set win over Germany's own
Daniel Brands.
READ - Federer Confirms New Racquet
When Federer knocked down three aces in his opening service game, it seemed that the tournament's top seed would adjust to his new larger frame just fine. An object of speculation before the event began, the black, 98-square-inch frame even inspired the creation of its own parody Twitter account.
At times, Federer's shots rang out with a deep "plomp" that let everyone know that this definitely was not the same stick the 17-time Grand Slam champion had held in his hands throughout his career.
Brands, probably best known for taking a set off of
Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros this year, stayed level with Federer midway through the first set. Federer offered up a mix of winners and untimely shanked shots, including one hit while he was down break point to give Brands a 5-3 lead.
The German soon aced out the first set 6-3 and left many wondering how Federer would respond in the second set.
The Swiss star soon did so by racking up eight straight points to jump out to a 4-1 lead punctuated by a forehand winner. Looking more at ease with himself and his racquet, Federer eventually claimed the set 6-3.
Growling "Come on" after hitting another forehand winner early in the third set, Federer seized an early break of serve when Brands sent a backhand wide when down 15-40. From there, it was a march to an inevitable victory for Federer with Brands unable to string together enough good points to mount any sort of comeback.
Serving for the match at 5-2, Federer did miss a few forehands on several match points. But a final backhand miss from Brands on the fourth match point sealed the 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 win.
It was Federer's 30th career victory at an ATP 500 event.
Next up for Federer is Czech qualifier
Jan Hajek, who upset No. 15 seed
Ernests Gulbis of Latvia 6-4, 2-6, 6-4.
No. 2 seed
Tommy Haas survived an up and down opener against
Blaz Kavcic. After splitting the first two sets, Haas jumped out to at 4-1 lead in the final set, only to see Kavcic pull even for 4-all.
But serving to stay in the match at 4-5, Kavcic couldn't keep the ball in play on the next four points, allowing Haas to win 6-1, 4-6, 6-4.
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