Roger Federer eased through to the second round of the Swiss Indoors here 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. 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.

“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,” he said.