After two straight setbacks against unheralded opponents, former world's No. 1 and 17-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer will try to gain his mojo back as he faces a familiar competitor in Daniel Brands in the second round of 2013 ATP Credit Agricole Suisse Open in Gstaad, Switzerland on Thursday.
For the first time since 2004, Federer returned to Gstaad by taking a wild-card entry at the Credit Agricole Suisse Open. His presence was immediately appreciated by the Swiss Open organizers, who presented to him another full-grown cow as a token of recognition for Federer's support for the clay-court tournament.
But bringing home another livestock animal is far from the Swiss tennis star's intentions. Federer, who has become increasingly more vulnerable than ever before, needs to win this tournament if he really wants a shot at another Grand Slam title down the road.
If Federer is looking to gain momentum, there's no better place to build it than in front of his home crowd.
After taking a first round bye, Federer enters the second round facing Brands for the second time in two weeks. The 58th ranked Brands lost to Federer days ago at the Hamburg Open, but it wasn't easy for the Maestro as Brands managed to give the Swiss a hard time throughout the 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 contest.
Federer used his new Wilson racket with a bigger head in all his matches in Hamburg and he has apparently no plans on switching back to his old equipment.
Federer has overwhelming edge skills and experience over Brands. Yet at this point of his career, it's hard to predict how he will play in his next match.
TV Schedule and Live Streaming Information
Tennis TV will begin coverage of Roger Federer vs. Daniel Brands second round match at 15:05 GMT. ATP Tour.com provides online streaming, though it requires a subscription fee.
Running Scores and Results are available on Credit Agricole Suisse Open
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