Federer overcomes sore hand to advance at Australian Open

Roger Federer of Switzerland makes a forehand return to Simone Bolelli of Italy during their second round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday. AP

MELBOURNE — Roger Federer overcame a slow start and a sore finger on his right hand to beat Simone Bolelli of Italy 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 on Wednesday and reach the third round of the Australian Open.

Second-seeded Federer, whose 17 Grand Slam singles titles include four at Melbourne Park, received treatment from a trainer at the end of the first set and appeared to not be bothered by the ailment for the remainder of the Rod Laver Arena match.

Bolelli’s opening-set win was his first against Federer after losing all three previous meetings, including in the first round of the Davis Cup last year.

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