Roger Federer Begins Defence of U.S. Open Title

2 months ago 01st Sep 12:07

Roger Federer began the defence of his U.S. Open title yesterday as he saw off teenager Devin Britton.

The world number one is going for his sixth consecutive title and has looked in good form in recent weeks, taking the Cincinnati Masters crown in fine style.

And that form looks set to continue as he took full advantage of his eighteen year old opponent's inexperience taking the first set 6-1 in just eighteen minutes.

Although Britton can claim to have broken the world number one in sets two and three it wasn't enough, despite the teenager making a spirited fight in the third set.

But Federer wrapped up the win in under ninety minutes 6-1 6-3 7-5.

With his Wimbledon win earlier this summer Federer broke the all time Grand Slam record and he is looking to become the first man to win six straight U.S. Open titles in over eighty years.

And the birth of his twin daughters just weeks ago doesn't appear to have thrown the Swiss player out of his stride and he is favourite to take the title.

But Simon Greul waits for him in the next round.

Andy Roddick looks ready to put his Wimbledon disappointment behind him as he strode to a straight sets win over Bjorn Phau 6-1 6-4 6-2.

It was a late night match for the America as he didn't get onto court until 11pm, finishing in the early hours of the morning.

Roddick has come back into form in recent months, form that took him to the Wimbledon final where he met his old foe Federer.

The match went the full five sets, despite Roddick having chances to seal the win early on.

There were also good wins on the first day for Nikolay Davydenko, Leyton Hewitt, Chela and James Blake as they all came through in straight sets, Hewitt still showing a resurgence in form.

It was more of a battle for three time quarter finalist Tommy Haas and French Open finalist Robin Soderling as they both had four set matches on their hands.

The big casualties of the day came in the shape of seeds Hanescu and Mathieu, who both crashed out to unseeded players.

World number two Andy Murray kicks of his challenge to go one step further than last year's runner up against Ernests Gulbis. Rafael Nadal has a tougher challenge on Wednesday as he faces the back from suspension Gasquet.