Federer edges 6-foot-11 Karlovic with strong serve

KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. — Roger Federer made a victorious return Friday to the Sony Open after skipping last year's tournament, and then was treated to a tribute on the stadium video screen.

"It looks like a farewell video," Federer told the crowd with a giggle. "I miss one year, and you make me feel guilty."

Federer's back, as he showed by beating big-serving Ivo Karlovic 6-4, 7-6 (4). Federer lost just three points on his serve to his 6-foot-11 opponent, and in a match with few rallies, he committed only three unforced errors.

Three-time champion Novak Djokovic followed Federer onto the stadium court and into the third round, beating Jeremy Chardy 6-4, 6-3.

At 32, Federer has looked rejuvenated recently, and was the runner-up to Djokovic last week at Indian Wells. The 17-time Grand Slam champion says his new racket gives him more power, and he's moving as he did in the old days.

After falling out of the top five last year for the first time since 2002, Federer returned to No. 5 this week. He led from the start against Karlovic, making the surprising choice to receive after winning the toss and earning the lone break of the match in the opening game.

"I just felt like, you know, let him go first and see how it goes," Federer said. "It worked well today because I got the early break right away. That relaxed me for the rest of the first set clearly, but still he hung around."

While Federer had trouble with serves from Karlovic that peaked at 138 mph, the Croat had no chance when returning. Federer won 49 of his 52 service points.

Federer improved to 11-1 in their head-to-head — or, in this case, head-to-shoulder. He said playing Karlovic presents unique challenges that he enjoys.

"Physically it's super easy. There are no long rallies," Federer said. "It's just more like a penalty shootout in soccer."

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

The show of exuberance might be a hint he's keen to do well in a tournament he hasn't won since 2006.

"I'm very relieved and happy to be through," he said. It was the first match at Key Biscayne in two years for Federer, who took a spring break in 2013.

On the women's side, No. 2-seeded Li Na reached the third round when Alisa Kleybanova withdrew because of a viral illness. Kleybanova, who won in doubles Thursday, is a former top 20-player mounting a career comeback from Hodgkin's lymphoma.

No. 6 Simona Halep withdrew because of a right toe injury. American Varvara Lepchenko outlasted No. 7 Jelena Jankovic 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (2).