Bangkok: Roger Federer’s customary cool slipped for a second as the Swiss world No. 1 hurled his racket during a hard-fought first-round victory over Brazilian Marcos Daniel 7-6, 6-4.

“I was told he likes to get the rhythm and he’s pretty slow from the baseline, and I get a guy serve and volleying at me,” the world No. 1 said.

“It’s not so easy to adjust, plus on top of that I feel a little rusty coming from clay, but in the end I played some good shots when I needed them.

“There was some frustration here and there. It shouldn’t have happened, but it did.”

Lleyton Hewitt also struggled to overcome a dogged opponent before reaching the second round with a 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 win over Czech Lukas Dlouhy.

The Australian appeared set for a runaway victory as he swept to a 4-1 lead in the opening set, but once Dlouhy settled he offered a real challenge.

Mahesh up

Mahesh Bhupathi and Justin Gimelstob entered the doubles second round beating Robby Ginepri and Giles Muller 6-5, 6-5 at the Impact Arena. (Agencies)