Roger Federer, 36, beat Canadian Peter Polansky to progress to the third round of the Roger's Cup in Montreal, Canada.

He beat the wildcard Polansky comfortably in 53 minutes, 6-2, 6-1, and the victory sets up a third round clash with Spain's David Ferrer.

This was the 36-year-old's first time competing in Montreal in six years, and was Federer's first tournament since his stunning Wimbledon victory earlier this year.

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Federer began 2017 outside of the ATP world rankings for the first time since 2001.

Kevin Mitchell wrote for the Guardian in late 2016: "His chances of adding to his 17 majors are slim."

How wrong this has proven to be, with the legendary tennis player winning this year's Wimbledon and Australian Open following his longest career injury layoff.

Federer said he's always believed he could come back, and that the break and lack of pressure actually benefited him.

He told assembled journalists: "I think the belief was always there, the body always needed to be there too. I think the break...it just rejuvenated me, gave ma a little bit of distance to it all. I came in refreshed, it was a different mindset.

"It was nice to come into Australia (his first post-injury tournament) and say 'look, even if I win the first round, and I leave injury free, it's better than playing semis, being injured, and having to have surgery'.

"I think it was quite refreshing for me in many ways and it made me play better in the bigger moments. I still feel it's carrying over right now."

He also spoke about his doubts during the darkest moments of his injury layoff.

"I was sad that I just had an operated knee, it was actually quite emotional for me.

"I was scared as well at the same time, just to be in pain, of the unknown, I guess...When I did come out of it, I was happy.

"I knew that when I was healthy, I was going to be able to have chances to win slams again, to play against the best, beat the best. That's the reason why i'm still playing today.

"If I felt like I couldn't do all these things, it wouldn't be enjoyable ... I'd accept it and say 'Look i've had a great career, but thanks very much, i'll do something else'."

Federer turned 36 on Tuesday, and shows no signs of slowing down yet.