No Five-Set Drama, Roger Federer Moves to Fourth Round in Straight Sets
(September 2, 2017) FLUSHING MEADOWS, NY-There was no five-set drama for No. 3 Roger Federer on Saturday night at the US Open. The Swiss defeated the 31st seed Feliciano Lopez 6-3, 6-3, 7-5.
“It was clearly nice to go up two sets to love for a change,” Federer said in media. “Feels different from there,” he said with a grin.
“But overall I have felt better, too. I was happy I had good energy because I think that was my biggest worry, that somehow after the two five-setters that I had, I was going to feel a little slow, hard to throw the engine on, you know, that I would have to force myself so much, I would get tired from that.
“It didn’t happen. I think I really got off to a good start. The first set was fast. Then the second set was close. Maybe I was struggling with my serve for a little bit to keep the level up, you know, that I was hoping to stay up. So I had to struggle a bit there. It was also good to get through those tougher moments.
“A little bit of a wobble in the third maybe. But, you know, it’s all good. I’m really pleased with the performance. It’s exactly I guess maybe what I needed going into the next round.”
Federer opened the tournament with back-to-back five-set struggles, Saturday’s match lasted only and hour and 46 minutes.
Federer raised his record to 13-0 lifetime against eh Spaniard. The 19-tie major winner is 33-1 in night matches in Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The win moves Federer into the fourth round for the 16th time at the US Open where he will take on 33rd seed Philip Kohlschreiber. He is 11-0 against the German.
“I know Philipp very well,“ Federer said. “Practiced with him a ton. Had some good matches against him in the past. Played him here a few years back, first round or second round. Two years ago I played him actually with the structure, I remember.
“Yeah, and he’s a good player. Got great rotation on the ball. Plays with a lot of topspin. Has a nice one-handed backhand, which I love to see, of course. He seems in good shape. He’s in good physical condition always. Prides himself on working hard.
“It’s different playing him in a first round than in a fourth round. I’m sure he has also gained confidence. He won his matches in a nice way. So we’ll see what happens.”
In the second night session match, American Madison Keys seeded 15 beat 17the seed, Russian Elena Vesnina 2-6, 6-4 6-1 to move into the round of 16. She’ll play Elina Svitolina for a spot in the quarterfinals.
“For the most part when I’m out there, I have the crowd on my side. But they really helped me tonight,” Keys said.
“Yeah, honestly I’m just really thankful that they were there because they were a huge part of it.”
It means a lot to Keys to make the round of 16: “It has not been an easy year for me. Getting to a second week of a slam means the world. Doing it in dramatic fashion is just something that I would have to do”
