Relief for Federer after easy opening win
WORLD NO1 Roger Federer began his bid for a record sixth consecutive US Open title in convincing fashion with a straight sets victory over American teenager Devin Britton.
The top seed ran out a comfortable 6-1, 6-3, 7-5 winner over the 18-year-old to set up a second round clash with Germany’s Simon Greul.
Federer was broken once in both the second and third sets by the wildcard entry, ranked 1,370th in the world, but hit back almost immediately both times to seal victory in just 88 minutes. “It was difficult,” the relieved Swiss star admitted. “I didn’t know anything of my opponent, or what his technique was. I played well in the beginning but I struggled after that. I was down a break in the second and third. It was tricky but I’m just glad I got through.”
Federer is joined in round two by the man he beat in this year’s French Open final, Sweden’s Robin Soderling, who cruised to a 6-1, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 victory over Spain’s Albert Montanes.
In the women’s event, 2005 champion Kim Clijsters made an impressive return to Grand Slam tennis, crushing Viktoriya Kutuzova 6-1, 6-1.
The Belgian wild card is playing at a Slam event for first time since returning to the WTA Tour after more than two years in retirement.
Indeed, it was as if she had never been away as she eased to a second round meeting with 14th seed Marion Bartoli in less than an hour.
Defending champion and second seed Serena Williams is also comfortably through after beating American Alexa Glatch 6-4,6-1.
Serena, seeking a fourth UStitle, is joined in round two by seventh seed Vera Zvonareva, who beat Nuria Llagostera Vives 6-0, 6-4 and eighth seed Victoria Azarenka, who made light work of Alexandra Dulgheru.