Roger Federer eased through to the second round of the Swiss Indoors in Basel on his return after a six week break with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Belgian qualifier Olivier Rochus.

The world number one - bidding for a fourth successive Swiss Indoors title - shook off the rust from a six-week break to roar through and a date with Italian Andreas Seppi in just 66 minutes on Monday.

Federer's march to victory was preceded by an operatic performance with massed choir and selections from Aida as his hometown honoured three straight titles at the St Jakobshalle by the world-famed native son.

"I felt so good out there," said the winner, who needed three match points to go through after earning the first two winning chances with his 11th and 12th aces of a quick evening.

"This was my longest pause, even longer than in the close season. But I really needed it and it was worth it," said the winner of a first French Open title and sixth Wimbledon title this season.

"It's so great to be playing in Switzerland. I haven't done it for a year and I really missed it. "I felt I played a good match and just want to carry on like this."

Federer improved to an overwhelming 6-0 over Rochus, who lost to Marcos Baghdatis in the Stockholm final just over a week ago.

The Swiss top seed broke in the sixth game of the 29-minute first set, then fired his fifth ace for a 5-2 lead before securing the opening lead.

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