Basel, Switzerland: Roger Federer gave his hometown fans some worries on Wednesday before beating Denis Istomin 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 in the second round of the Swiss Indoors.
Federer conceded a set for the first time in five matches against the 48th-ranked Uzbek, then had to rally from 0-40 down in his first service game in the decider.
The seventh-ranked Swiss converted his first match point with an angled backhand volley, but is still looking for his best tennis and a strong finish to the most difficult season of his career.
Earlier, Federer's chances of qualifying for the ATP World Tour Finals in London next month improved when Richard Gasquet was beaten 6-4, 6-2 by fellow Frenchman Michael Llodra.
Also on Wednesday, top-seeded Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina eased past Swiss wild card Henri Laaksonen, 6-4, 6-4.
