Federer “intrigued” by next US Open match

World number one Roger Federer has moved into the third round at Flushing Meadows by beating 65th-ranked Simon Greul 6-3, 7-5, 7-5 before a night-session record crowd of 24,206.

“I thought, with a little bit of luck, I could win one set,” said Federer’s German opponent. “But it didn’t happen. He was playing too well.”

Next up for the Swiss: 2001 US Open champion Lleyton Hewitt. The 31st-seeded Hewitt beat Juan Ignacio Chela of Argentina 6-3, 6-3, 6-4.

Federer has won 13 consecutive matches against the formerly top-ranked Hewitt, including victories over the Australian in the 2004 final and 2005 semifinals at Flushing Meadows.

“I’m intrigued about this matchup. It’s an incredible run for me against him. I can’t believe I’ve beaten him that many times in a row,” Federer said. “But we had some close ones during those 13. Everyone starts from zero, unfortunately for me now. I hope I can win again.”

The Swiss star – owner of a record 15 grand slam singles titles – hasn’t lost at the US Open since a fourth-round setback against David Nalbandian in 2003.

Also on Wednesday two Swiss crashed out of the tournament: Stefanie Vögele lost 6-4, 6-4 to 26th seed Francesca Schiavone; Timea Bacsinszky won the first set against 22nd seed Daniela Hantuchova but eventually went down 5-7, 6-2, 6-1.

The two other remaining Swiss players in New York will be in action later on Thursday. Marco Chiudinelli, ranked 161 in the world, faces Russian former US Open semifinalist Mikhail Youzhny, while 19th seed Patty Schnyder will meet Italy’s Sara Errani.

swissinfo.ch and agencies