It was not easy, but Roger Federer walked out with the victory on Saturday afternoon after defeating Colombian Alejandro Falla in three sets, 6-3, 5-7, 6-3.
Falla was a worthy competitor, making Federer work to get his win and move on to the second round of Men's Tennis Olympic competition.
Federer had 43 winners in the match including eight aces. He committed 26 unforced errors however, which allowed Falla to remain in the match.
In the second set, which Federer lost, he committed 14 unforced errors, which Falla took advantage of.
Falla made few mistakes in the match committing only 11 unforced errors, Federer, however, proved too strong. Falla's strength were in his serves. He completed 73 percent of his first serves and at times made Federer look foolish, but he will be watching the Olympics Games from home now as he is eliminated from competition.
For Federer, similar to Serena Williams, it is a step closer to his first singles gold medal.
He captured gold in the 2008 Beijing games, but that was in the doubles tournament.
Federer will now await for a competitor as he moves on to the second round. He has removed the rust and will look to continue to dominate in the rest of the Olympic competition.
