Roger Federer enjoyed a routine 6-3 6-2 6-1 win over Argentina’s Carlos Berlocq in the second round of the US Open on Thursday to stay on track for a mouthwatering early clash with Rafa Nadal.
‘Routine’ was greeted positively by Federer, the all-time leading grand slam singles winner with 17 titles, who is seeded seventh after slipping in the rankings while hampered by injury.
“It’s one of those matches I expect myself to win if possible in straight sets and gain confidence in the process,” the 32-year-old Swiss maestro said. “All those things happened, so I’m pleased about it.”
The five-time US Open champion needed just 95 minutes on Arthur Ashe Stadium court to dispatch the overmatched Berlocq and secure a spot in the third round.
Federer is on a collision course to meet world number two Nadal in the quarter-finals instead of the usual semi-final or finals stage where he most often has encountered the Spaniard.
But it has been a down year for Federer, who has been bothered by a back injury and notched just one tournament win.