Roger Federer is playing for the No. 1 ranking in Rotterdam this week, and he kicked off his campaign on Wednesday in flawless fashion.

The Swiss dismantled qualifier Ruben Bemelmans 6-1, 6-2 in just 46 minutes, hitting just about every hot shot imaginable along the way.

Most notable was this running, over-the-shoulder, reverse:

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It didn't end the point right away, but it set up the backhand that did.

Speaking of backhands, Federer's was firing from that wing...

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...in both the first set and the second:

Overall, it was a bad day at the net for Bemelmans:

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And a good day all over the court for Federer.

Now only two matches away from the top ranking, Federer will face Philipp Kohlschreiber, who won his first-round match versus Karen Khachanov 3-6, 7-6 (1), 7-6 (5).

Federer rocks Rotterdam with his first victory

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This Week on Tennis Channel Plus 2/12

ATP Buenos Aires (Feb. 14-18)

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ATP Rotterdam (Feb. 13-14)

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