Rampant Federer strolls into U.S. Open third round

World number one Roger Federer put on another evening exhibition at Flushing Meadows on Thursday as he brushed aside Germany's Bjorn Phau 6-2 6-3 6-2 to reach the third round of the U.S. Open.

The five-times champion smashed 15 aces and 44 winners in all as he followed up his confident first-round win with another immaculate display, wrapping up victory in just 90 minutes.

"I enjoyed it a lot, it was a great match for me," Federer told the packed crowd inside the cavernous Arthur Ashe Stadium.

"I always enjoy it when I have the chance to come out here at night and make it a match for you guys."

In the last game of the match, Phau had the temerity to hit one reflex backhand pass off a Federer smash that the Swiss agreed had been the shot of the match.

"Bjorn had some incredible shot-making," Federer said. "That backhand was ridiculous really.

"When it's against you, you don't really enjoy it but I was leading so it was OK. It was a lot of fun."

He will next play Spaniard Fernando Verdasco on Saturday, whom he has beaten in all four of their previous meetings. The 25th-seeded Verdasco secured his place in the third round with a hard-fought 7-6(4), 5-7, 7-6(5), 6-4 win over countryman Albert Ramos.

The 28-year-old Verdasco, a former World No. 7, reached the US Open quarter-finals in 2009 (l. to Djokovic) and ’10 (l. to Nadal).

Date: 31st August 2012, Source: Reuters and ATP

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