Federer stutters to opening win

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World number one Roger Federer struggled to a first-round win over James Blake in the Cincinnati Masters.

In his first outing since winning Wimbledon, Federer showed his ring rust in a 7-6 7-5 victory over the American wild-card entry Blake.

Federer made a series of errors but rallied from 3-0 down in the second set to clinch a hard-fought win.

Fifth seed Andy Roddick eased into the second round with a straight-sets victory over Jurgen Melzer.

Federer looked rusty after a five-week lay-off with a sore foot and had to save the only break-point of the first set in the ninth game.

It was really what I expected Roger Federer

After taking the first set to a tie-break, Federer took it 7-3 and finding himself 3-0 down in the second set, raised his game.

"It was really what I expected," said Federer afterwards.

"I was disappointed at times where I just couldn't make all the returns I wanted to.

"It just shows how the eye is not quite there like it was maybe at Wimbledon, obviously, in the finals.

"Mentally and physically I'm feeling good and it's just about getting the time on my racquet."

Federer next plays Nicolas Kiefer, who beat Nicolas Lapentti 6-1 6-4.

When he's been out for a while, or is adjusting to a different surface, he tends to play a couple of stinkers From Mr I Have your say on Five Live

Roddick lost in the first round in Montreal last week but looked to have regained his form with a 6-3 6-4 win.

He will face Juan Carlos Ferrero - a 0-6 6-3 6-2 winner over Stefan Koubek - in round two.

Seeds Guillermo Coria, David Nalbandian and Richard Gasquet were among the other winners on day one.

Andre Agassi was forced to pull out as he looks to pace himself ahead of the US Open.