Defending champ Federer races into third round

INDIAN WELLS, California: Defending champion and second seed Roger Federer raced into the third round of the Indian Wells ATP Masters tournament on Saturday with a 6-2, 6-3 win over Denis Istomin.

The Swiss great, whose triumph over American John Isner in last year's final gave him a fourth Indian Wells title, needed just 57 minutes to subdue Uzbekistan's Istomin, ranked 43rd in the world.

"I'm happy to start so strong," said Federer, who was launching his defense
after a first-round bye.

"Istoman can play really well, so I'm pleased I came out and played exceptionally well."

Federer will face Croatian Ivan Dodig in the third round.

Dodig defeated Julien Benneteau 6-4, 6-2, denying Federer a rematch with the French player who shocked him the quarter-finals last month in Rotterdam. (AFP)