WATCH: Roger Federer’s insane backhand winner in Australian Open 1st round

Roger Federer’s insane backhand winner in Australian Open 1st round against Denis Istomin has to be one of the shots of the Australian Open 2019.

Roger Federer pulled off a routine 1st round win under the lights at the Rod Laver Arena last night, brushing aside the challenge of Denis Istomin.

Federer managed to beat Istomin 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 and booked a place for himself in the 2nd round of the Australian Open.

The game had every bit of the Federer routine about it, the pin-point accuracy with the serve, the slick accuracy at the net and the sublime half volley back hand pass to top things up.

The back hand half volley was the highlight of the night, one that got every one in the Rod Laver arena on their feat.

Istomin played a cheeky little approach to Federer’s forehand, with Federer opting to go right where the ball came from. Istomin stood his ground and managed to pull of a good enough back hand volley, one that caused Federer to scamper to his back hand.

And just as the ball was dying on him, Federer managed to whip it inches off the ground and pulled off an insane passing shot down the line to leave Istomin and the crowd in disbelief.

What’s more, Federer was almost facing sidewards when he managed to pull of that shot, putting those strong and crafty wrists to good work.

Check out the video:

Federer will now face Dan Evans in the second round and you can hope for something similar in Wednesday’s day session too.