Roger Federer survived a scare to overcome determined American teenager Frances Tiafoe in five sets and book his spot in the US Open second round.
The 19-time Grand Slam champion, who has already won the Australian Open and Wimbledon this year, was making only his second tournament appearance since beating Marin Cilic in south-west London in mid-July, and with fitness doubts lingering following his withdrawal in Cincinnati.
Federer, who lost a set in a first-round encounter at Flushing Meadows for the first time since 2003, struggled with timing and his movement during large spells of the absorbing encounter, but his experience proved pivotal in securing a 4-6 6-2 6-1 1-6 6-4 victory.
The Swiss great, who was appearing in his first match in New York since 2015, suffered a slow start against the 19-year-old, with Tiafoe breaking Federer’s serve before claiming the set 6-4 in an opening notable for 12 unforced errors from the Federer racket.
However, Federer regained his composure to break early in the second set to move 3-1 ahead, before winning nine out of the next 10 games to take the second and third sets.
The fourth set saw a resurgence in Tiafoe’s belief and form as the gutsy American, under the roof of Arthur Ashe Stadium, forced a decider in double quick time.
Under pressure, and facing the prospect of a first-ever first-round loss in New York, Federer managed to secure an early break in the fifth set but could not secure victory over the world No 70 when he served for the match at 5-3.
However, Tiafoe, aiming for a maiden match victory at the US Open, was then unable to extend the contest when he failed to hold serve, netting a final forehand.
“It was a good one,” said Federer. “I think we both enjoyed ourselves out here. I’m very happy with the match. It was exciting and it’s kind of why I came to New York, to go through these emotions.
“I had a bit of a slow start but Frances also felt good. I was maybe a bit worried about my back issue but was eventually able to let go. In the fifth, it’s a coin toss and it went my way tonight.”
The world No 3 also insisted his back has recovered, saying: “To get through a five-setter, you have to be OK somehow. I believe this will give me a lot of confidence with my body and my game.”
Federer, who is aiming for his sixth US Open title, will next meet either Russia’s Mikhail Youzhny or Blaz Kavcic of Slovenia.
Meanwhile, in the opening night session encounter in the women’s singles on Tuesday, American Madison Keys began her US Open campaign with a 6-3 7-6 (8-6) victory over world number 39 Elise Mertens.
Keys, who is coached by a former champion in Lindsay Davenport, secured the opening set in 36 minutes courtesy of a break against her Belgian opponent in the eighth game.
The second set remained a tight affair, with both players holding serve until 5-5 before Keys claimed the break. The 22-year-old then failed to hold serve when serving for the match, but came through the tie-break 8-6 to seal victory.
The 15th seed will next meet either Tatjana Maria or Ashley Kratzer in the second round, after their match was affected by heavy rain in New York.
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