Roger Federer forced to scrap in US Open first round
Swiss notches win No.50 of the season as teens take the limelight
Roger Federer claimed his 50th win of 2014 on Tuesday as the 17-time major winner got his campaign for a record sixth US Open off to a battling start.
The great Swiss, playing in his 60th successive grand slam event and bidding to become the oldest major winner in over 40 years, defeated Australia’s Marinko Matosevic 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) to register his 23rd win in 24 night matches in New York.
“It was a bit more difficult than I thought it was going to be in the third set,” said Federer who had been cruising with a break in the third before Matosevic briefly rallied.
Federer next faces another Australian, big-serving Sam Groth for a place in the last 32.
“Marinko has got a big game. He serves and volleys so it gave me a chance to hit some good passing shots.”