Federer returns with win and claims fatherhood is suiting his game

ROGER Federer survived a mini scare as he returned to action with a straight sets victory at the Montreal Masters.

DADDY'S BACK: Roger Federer looked good on his return to action at the Montreal Masters, despite five weeks out

In his first match since winning a historic Wimbledon final and becoming a father of twins, the world number one was made to sweat by Canadian wildcard Frederic Niemeyer.

Niemeyer is ranked 486 places below the world number one but produced a spirited performance, taking the first set to a tie-break.

The 33-year old, who has only made one Grand Slam appearance, reaching the second round at Wimbledon six years ago, is retiring at the end of this year but can look back on this performance with pride.

However, despite five weeks out of competitive action, Federer still wrapped up his 7-6, 6-4 progress in 86 minutes.

"I'm happy to be back after the long break,” he said.

"I reacted well in my first match back and I played the big points well. Overall I'm very pleased.

"There was a stadium full of Canadians cheering for Frederic but there were also a few for me, which was nice.”

Federer arrived in Montreal with wife Mirka and twins Charlene Riva and Myla Rose and claimed fatherhood was suiting his game.

“It seems to be working so far,” he added. “Mirka is just great with the kids and I’m pretty laidback. We’re just enjoying it.”\

Federer will now play either Stanilas Wawrinka, famously beaten by Andy Murray under the lights at Wimbledon, or Germany’s Nicolas Kiefer in Thursday’s third round.

Elsewhere, fourth seed Novak Djokovic also overcame local opposition, serving 11 aces as he beat Peter Polansky 6-4, 7-6 and third seed Andy Murray comfortably despatched France's Jeremy Chardy.