New York: World No.3 Roger Federer survived a first-round scare from Frances Tiafoe before grinding out a 4-6, 6-2, 6-1, 1-6, 6-4 victory over the American teenager in front of a raucous crowd at the US Open here Tuesday.
Federer looked more relieved than overjoyed when Tiafoe’s forehand found the net on match point to keep his hopes of a 20th Grand Slam title alive.
“We had a good fight,” Federer said in an on-court interview. “It was exciting and this is why I came to New York, to go through these emotions,” he said with a laugh.
The 19-year-old Tiafoe broke Federer in the first game of the match and bellowed out a loud “Come on!” when his forehand winner found the line to capture the opening set.
Meanwhile Rafa Nadal stayed on course for his semifinal battle with Federer, but said something must be done to keep the rowdy New Yorkers quiet during rallies.
The World No.1 and two-time US Open champion took his first round record at the season’s concluding Grand Slam to 13-0 with a 7-6 (8/6), 6-2, 6-2 win over Serbia’s Dusan Lajovic.
But with torrential rain lashing Flushing Meadows, the roof on the showpiece Arthur Ashe stadium was shut tight, creating a giant echo-chamber for the boisterous crowd of 24,000 beneath.
“Being honest, it (the noise) is a little bit too much,” said the 31-year-old Spaniard. “The energy and support of the crowd is massive. I enjoy it and I have unforgettable memories from this tournament and this court, because the energy is different from in other places. “But at the same time, under the roof, it’s too much noise. I was not able to hear the ball when hitting.”
Most of the other matches on the day to be played on the outside courts were interrupted due to rain.
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