Frances Tiafoe threatened to pull off a major shock against Roger Federer. Photo: USA TODAY Sports
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https://scmp.com/sport/tennis/article/2108922/roger-federer-escapes-frances-tiafoe-five-set-us-open-thriller-rain Tennis
Roger Federer escapes Frances Tiafoe in five-set US Open thriller as rain brings chaos to schedule
The 36-year-old holds his nerve to beat impressive American teenager Frances Tiafoe under the roof on Arthur Ashe Stadium
Frances Tiafoe congratulates Roger Federer after their epic match. Photo: AFP
Roger Federer survived a five-set battle to defeat American teenager Frances Tiafoe and reach the US Open second round on Tuesday, keeping his bid for a record sixth New York title alive.
The 36-year-old Swiss, chasing his third major of the year and 20th of his career, prevailed 4-6, 6-2, 6-1, 1-6, 6-4 to avoid losing in the first round of a grand slam for the first time since the 2003 French Open.
“It was more than a test. We enjoyed it out there, we kept fighting, trying and it was exciting,” said Federer, who finished with 17 aces, 41 winners and 56 unforced errors.
“I had a slow start. I was worried about the back injury. In the fifth set, it was a coin toss and it went my way tonight so I am very happy.”
The fast and furious duel under the roof of Arthur Ashe Stadium was one of only nine matches to be completed as torrential rain swept 55 matches off of the day’s schedule.
At times, Federer also looked as if he was about to disappear with the deluge, struggling with a back injury as well as the all-out assault of Tiafoe, the big-hearted 19-year-old son of immigrants from Sierra Leone.
But the veteran survived to register his 79th win in New York and set-up a second round match-up with either Russia’s Mikhail Youzhny or Blaz Kavcic of Slovenia.
“I am feeling extremely well. This will give me great confidence,” said Federer, who missed the 2016 tournament with injury and was playing under the US$150 million Ashe roof for the first time.
The back problem, which Federer suffered in losing the Montreal final to Alexander Zverev and ruled him out of the Cincinnati tournament, restricted his movement in the opening set.
World number 70 Tiafoe took it on the back of an uncharacteristic 18 unforced errors by the Australian Open and Wimbledon champion.
Roger Federer will next face Mikhail Youzhny or Blaz Kavcic. Photo: Reuters
Federer swept through the next two sets before Tiafoe levelled by storming through a 24-minute fourth set.
In the decider, Federer broke for 3-1 but wasted a match point as he served at 5-3 and was broken by the American.
But Tiafoe’s nerve failed him in the 10th game and the match was over when he dumped an off-balance forehand into the net.
The win took Federer’s record to 17-0 in first-round matches at the US Open.