Federer, Murray smother lowly rivals in opener

MONTREAL – Roger Federer, playing for the first time since winning Wimbledon, returned to the court with a 7-6 (3), 6-4 win over Canada’s Frederic Niemeyer at the Rogers Cup on Tuesday.

Federer, who took time off while his wife gave birth to twin girls, took a set to find his range and then the top-ranked Swiss star put away the low-ranked Niemeyer.

The 33-year-old Niemeyer, whose ranking has tumbled to 487th, plans to retire at the end of this season.

Earlier, Andy Murray – also playing his first match since Wimbledon - beat France’s Jeremy Chardy, 6-4, 6-2.

Murray lost to Andy Roddick in the Wimbledon semifinals five weeks ago, and he had enough form to get past Chardy. Murray converted three of eight break chances, while Chardy missed all 10 of his.

“I feel better now I’ve got through the first one, because you lose your rhythm a bit,” said the third-seeded Murray. “I didn’t really have more than six or seven days off without playing a match for a long time.”

Murray is off to the best start of his career with a 46-7 record, winning four tournaments this year.

With Rafael Nadal struggling on sore knees, Murray can overtake the Spaniard for the No. 2 ranking if he wins the tournament. Murray also could attain No. 2 if he reaches the final and Nadal loses in the semifinals.

“I’ve been asked about it a lot so, it’s impossible not to think about it. But when I’m playing my match, it’s the furthest thing from my mind,” Murray said of the rankings. (AP)