ROGER FEDERER BEATS FRANCES TIAFOE AT THE 2017 U.S. OPEN TENNIS • RAFAEL NADAL CRUISES INTO ROUND TWO

Written by: Staff on 29th August 2017

ROGER FEDERER BEATS FRANCES TIAFOE AT THE 2017 U.S. OPEN TENNIS • RAFAEL NADAL CRUISES INTO ROUND TWO

epa06171066 Roger Federer of Switzerland (R) shakes hands with Frances Tiafoe (L) of the USA after defeating him in their match on the second day of the 2017 US Open Tennis Championship at the USTA National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, New York, USA, 29 August 2017. The US Open runs through 10 September. EPA-EFE/JUSTIN LANE |

Federer survives in five against Tiafoe at U.S. Open, Nadal cruises into round two

By Ricky Dimon

Survive and advance. It’s not something Roger Federer had to do at Wimbledon–he cruised to an eighth title there without even dropping a single set the entire way. But it looks like Federer may have to do it the hard way at the U.S. Open. That will be the case if his Tuesday night showdown against Frances Tiafoe is any indication.

The 36-year-old Swiss was far from his best in a wild, roller-coaster affair, but he ended up getting through the first-round encounter 4-6, 6-2, 6-1, 1-6, 6-4. Federer sprayed 56 unforced errors, but he also struck 41 winners to Tiafoe’s 23.

Tiafoe, just 19 years old, turned in a predictably up-and-down performance amidst the pressure of his first appearance in Arthur Ashe Stadium. But it was nothing short of bizarre showing from Federer–even if he was not quite 100 percent due to a lingering back injury. The 19-time major champion was diabolical in the opening set, solid in sets two and three, an out-of-nowhere disaster in set four, and at least good enough in the fifth.

Federer failed to serve out the match at 5-3 in the decider, but he broke the American at 5-4 to clinch victory.

“It was more than a test,” the No. 2 seed assured. “It was good one. I think we both enjoyed ourselves out here tonight. I’m very happy with the match. It was exciting. It’s king of why I came to New York, as well–to go through these emotions.

“I had a bit of a slow start, but Frances also felt good. Frances fought well. He started to serve better again (in the fourth set). He’s got a great future ahead of himself. It was a coin toss in the fifth set and I’m glad it went my way.”

Rafael Nadal also got off to a slow start in his opener, but in the end he had no trouble making things go his way against Dusan Lajovic. The world No. 1 broke to stay alive in the first set and was off to the races from there, winning 7-6(6), 6-2, 6-2.

Thanks to the Arthur Ashe roof, Federer and Nadal were the only men who advanced to the second round on Tuesday. All of the other matches were washed out by rain. While the roof allowed for play, it also made things much louder in the main stadium. Perhaps indicative of their rivalry, Federer and Nadal had different takes on the loudness factor.

“It’s great,” Federer quipped.

“Too loud,” Nadal countered. “Is difficult.”

Whatever the case, each man through to round two and have a day of rest on Wednesday. They have to agree that this is good news for both.