Federer moves easily into US Open second round
Roger Federer has won his first round at the US Open tennis tournament in New York, easily beating Maximo Gonzalez of Argentina in straight sets.
Tenth-ranked Stanislas Wawrinka, Federer’s doubles partner in Beijing, also advanced with a win over Simone Bolelli of Italy.
On the women’s side, Timea Bacsinszky defeated Virginie Razzano of France and Switzerland’s Stefanie Vogele lost to Flavia Pannetta of Italy.
Relegated to world number two since Spanish rival Rafael Nadal took over the top spot last week, Federer needed just one hour and 22 minutes to take the match against Gonzalez 6-3, 6-0, 6-3.
He will face Brazilian Thiago Alves in the second round.
“That takes quite a lot of pressure off me because with this beginning I know a bit better where I stand,” Federer said after the game.
Federer has won the past four tournaments at Arthur Ashe Stadium, but his run towards the record of 14 major titles, held by Pete Sampras of the United States, has stalled this season, leaving him stuck on 12.
Barring any major upsets, Federer is on course to face Nadal, the Olympic champion, in the final on September 7.
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