It was January 28, 2018 when Roger Federer and Marin Cilic were supposed to face each other for the last time. Back then, a good three years ago, nothing less than a Grand Slam title was up for grabs; the triumph at the Australian Open in 2018 was decided in a Croatian-Swiss country duel.

And it was - like 19 times before - the now 39-year-old Federer, who should prove his staying power, who was able to secure the title Down Under in five contested sets. A title that moved the Swiss to tears, knowing full well that this could have been one of the last chances for the really big coup in men's tennis.

Federer makes a dazzling return to Paris

Since then, Federer has proven - above all at Wimbledon - that age in its specific case does not protect against one thing: against success. For title number 21 at the major level, it should not be enough for Federer (so far), but the fact that he still feels able to strike again at the highest level in tennis is shown by the recent comeback of the Swiss - at a proud age of 39 years.

A comeback that recently brought Federer back to Paris, back to the Bois de Bolougne, where the 39-year-old started off with a great performance against Denis Istomin and confidently bought his second round ticket. A second round that now has a real cracker: namely the clash of two former Grand Slam winners, the clash of Marin Cilic and Roger Federer.

Cilic sprinkles Federer roses

The ATP Tour has already held this duel ten times - nine times it was Federer, the 20-time Grand Slam champion, who should keep the upper hand. Nevertheless, the mutual respect between the two is great, in particular Cilic paid the Swiss man some respect recently: "Hats off to Roger for his motivation and level over the past few years. When you see him play, you don't get the feeling that he's almost 40 Years old. "

#VIDEO#

Federer himself was quite satisfied with his performance after his opening win , surprisingly openly laid out his direction for the coming tournament days: "I moved pretty well today. I also kept rallies short so that I would not be drawn into the long rallies. I used the dropshot again and again, "says Federer, who looks ahead to the coming rounds - and thus also the duel with Marin Cilic - without great pressure:" We'll see.