Roger Federer receives Shanghai Masters boost after surprise result
Roger Federer will face Albert Ramos-Vinolas in round two of the Shanghai Masters.
Shanghai Masters: Roger Federer shows off skills in practice
Roger Federer received a Shanghai Masters boost after former world No 3 Marin Cilic lost this morning.
The Croatian was expected to breeze past Albert Ramos-Vinolas but fell to a straight-sets 6-4, 6-4 defeat.
Federer received a bye in the opening round and will sleep a little easier knowing his campaign does not start against Cilic.
However, the Swiss star will have his 2015 meeting with Ramos-Vinolas on his mind.
The Spaniard won their second-round tie in Shanghai four years ago.
Federer was handed a really difficult draw for the penultimate Masters of the year which could include clashes against Alexander Zverev, Dominic Thiem and Novak Djokovic.
But Cilic’s exit will certainly raise his spirits - even if only slightly.
“The draw is tough here,” Federer said.
"It also depends on your opponents a little bit.
“It's not just every match on my racquet, unfortunately, but I feel like I have good energy left in the tank to go and finish strong.”
Federer his set to return to action for the first time since helping Team Europe win the Laver Cup for a third straight year.
During the event, the 38-year-old won both of his singles matches against John Isner and Nick Kyrgios.
Roger Federer projected route to Shanghai Masters final
First Round: Bye
Second Round: Albert Ramos-Vinolas
Third Round: David Goffin
Quarter-Final: Alexander Zverev/Borna Coric
Semi-Final: Dominic Thiem/Roberto Bautista Agut
Final: Novak Djokovic or Daniil Medvedev