By Chris Oddo | Tuesday August 29, 2017
A sluggish start did not prevent Roger Federer from his 79th career U.S Open win on Tuesday night in New York.
Photo Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty
In a strange, frazzled back-and-forth affair, the experience of 19-time major champion Roger Federer guided him through a rollicking tilt with 19-year-old Frances Tiafoe and into the U.S. Open's second round for the 17th consecutive time.
"It was more than a test," Federer told ESPN's Tom Rinaldi when the dust had finally settled.
He wasn't exaggerating.
The Swiss overcame a first-set deficit and a fourth-set clobbering to prevail, 4-6, 6-1, 6-2, 1-6, 6-4, and while his performance was erratic, it was the type of early-round escape that could lead to bigger better victories for Federer in New York.
But it was a struggle at the start.
"I really struggled early on,' Federer told reporters after the match. "I think Frances connected well. I just really kind of lost my footing sometimes. My eye wasn't working. I was misjudging distance. I think I was also being a bit cautious with my movement. Then in the second set I think it all started to come together."
More: Tennis Moves on with Sharapova Post Suspension
The victory marks the fourth time that Federer has gone five sets in a first-round match at a major, and improves Federer’s record to 17-0 in first-round matches at the U.S. open.
Federer took a break lead in the fifth set when Tiafoe played an ill-conceived drop shot that led to a Federer break in the fourth game, but the American roared back, saving a match point with Federer serving at 5-3 and then breaking with some world-class shotmaking, finishing the game with a forehand pass as Federer walked to his chair with a look of worry on his face.
"I always try to keep a very positive mindset out there," Federer later reflected.
The Swiss took advantage of more tight play from Tiafoe in the next game and scored the break on a Tiafoe forehand error, converting his third match point to seal the victory in two hours and 37 minutes.
Federer finished the match with a whopping 56 unforced errors against 41 winners. He threw in 17 aces and saved just one of the five break points he faced.
But as it has been so often before, Federer's saving grace was his ability to stay calm and see his way to victory despite the absence of his most scintillating form.
Federer improves to 28-20 lifetime in five-setters while Tiafoe drops to 0-3. The American dropped a heartbreaking five-setter to John Isner in the first round at New York last season. He dropped a five-setter to Fabio Fognini at Roland Garros this year as well.
"I came out there, really didn't feel nervous at all," Tiafoe said. "Obviously how many years have I been watching the US Open? Since I was a little kid. I always dreamed of being on center court, playing the best in the world. Finally happened so I was ready for it. It was reality. I was really excited for it. I was going to give my best stuff no matter what, and that's what I did."
Federer’s tense victory may not inspire too much confidence, but he did express relief that his back held up over the course of the affair. He seemed tentative in the early going, pouring in 19 unforced errors in the first set, but did respond to produce some vintage aggression, particularly during sets two and three, which were dominated by him.
In the end it’s hard to tell what it means for Federer’s chances of winning a sixth U.S. Open title.
For now, the fact that he’s still alive in the draw—and healthy—is more than enough.
"I'm very happy that I'm feeling as good as I'm feeling right now," Federer said. "Honestly, if I would have felt like that going into this tournament that my back was going to get worse every match, I probably wouldn't have played. My hope and my belief is that it's only going to get better from here because every day that goes by puts me further away from what happened in Montreal. So that's how I see it."
Federer will face either Mikhail Youzhny or Blaz Kavcic in the second round on Thursday. Youzhny and Kavcic had their match postponed due to rain on Tuesday and will meet on Day 3.