Sports

Roger Federer loses only 3 points on serve to beat 6-foot-11 Ivo Karlovic at Sony Open

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Roger Federer, of Switzerland, returns the ball to Ivo Karlovic, of Croatia, at the Sony Open tennis tournament, Friday, March 21, 2014, in Key Biscayne, Fla. Federer defeated Karlovic 6-4, 7-6 (7-4). (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) (The Associated Press)

Roger Federer, of Switzerland, leaps into the air after defeating Ivo Karlovic, of Croatia, 6-4, 7-6 (7-4) at the Sony Open tennis tournament, Friday, March 21, 2014, in Key Biscayne, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) (The Associated Press)

Roger Federer earned the only break of the match in the opening game, lost just three points on his serve and beat Ivo Karlovic 6-4, 7-6 (4) Friday at the Sony Open.

It was the first match at Key Biscayne in two years for Federer, who took a spring layoff in 2013.

The 32-year-old Federer has looked rejuvenated and climbed to No. 5 in the rankings this week. While he had trouble with Karlovic's big serves, the 6-foot-11 Croat had no chance when returning serve.

Federer won 49 of his 52 service points. In a match with few rallies, he committed just three unforced errors.

The longest point was the last one. When Karlovic pushed a backhand into the net on the 10th stroke, Federer hopped happily in celebration and threw a fist.