Roger Federer makes triumphant return since winning the Wimbledon title.

MONTREAL (AP) — Roger Federer, playing for the first time since winning Wimbledon, returned to the court with a 7-6 (3), 6-4 win over Canada's Frederic Niemeyer at the Rogers Cup on Tuesday.

Federer, who took time off while his wife gave birth to twin girls, took a set to find his range and then the top-ranked Swiss star put away the low-ranked Niemeyer.

The 33-year-old Niemeyer, whose ranking has tumbled to 487th, plans to retire at the end of this season.

“He's a nice man,” said Federer. “It's sad when you leave the game, but he seems happy with himself, so I wish him well. ... We played each other in a satellite in front of two people. It was snowing outside. And 11 years later we're playing in front of a packed house here in Montreal.'”

Niemeyer had a double-fault in the first set tiebreaker, then lost his serve at 3-3 in the second set and Federer served out the match.

“The atmosphere was unbelievable,” Niemeyer said. “It's my last match here and I was able to play the way I'm capable of playing. Too bad it was my last one, but I have no regrets. I just enjoyed the moment.”

Federer said Niemeyer gave him trouble with his serve, which made it difficult to establish a rhythm in his game.

Earlier, Andy Murray – also playing his first match since Wimbledon – beat France's Jeremy Chardy 6-4, 6-2.

Murray lost to Andy Roddick in the Wimbledon semifinals five weeks ago, and he had enough form to get past Chardy. Murray converted three of eight break chances, while Chardy missed all 10 of his.

With Rafael Nadal struggling on sore knees, Murray can overtake the Spaniard for the No. 2 ranking if he wins the tournament. Murray also could attain No. 2 if he reaches the final and Nadal loses in the semifinals.

Following a first-round bye into the second round, Murray will next face the winner between Juan Carlos Ferrero and 13th-seeded Gael Monfils.

Ferrero advanced by defeating Lleyton Hewitt 6-1, 6-4 in a match of former No. 1s.