NEW YORK, August 28, 2019
As steady rain disrupted play throughout the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on Wednesday, Roger Federer advanced to the third round of the US Open after coming from a set down to beat Damir Dzumhur of Bosnia and Herzgovina in four sets under the roof on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The five-time champion at Flushing Meadows came through 3-6, 6-2, 6-3, 6-3 in two hours and 22 minutes to advance as he continues his bid to win the title in New York for the first time in 11 years.
Federer looked a bit rusty in the opening set but produced some fine tennis the next three sets. Next up for the Swiss maestro is No. 25 seed Lucas Pouille of France or Brit Daniel Evans.
Rollin’ Rog!
The five-time champion reaches R3 of the #USOpen for the 19th time in his career, defeating Džumhur 3-6, 6-2, 6-3, 6-4.@rogerfederer pic.twitter.com/3OyzaHgBbw
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 28, 2019
“I just tried to make less errors and be better on the offensive. I was able to protect my serve after a sloppy first set,” Federer said.
“There were some big moments, I came through, buckled down and told myself I was not going to get broken, stayed tough and hung with him and that helps with my confidence for the next match.
“I’m happy to have the roof here, I remember playing finals on Monday and it was a pleasure today.”
Nishikori beats Klahn
Over on Louis Armstrong Stadium, Kei Nishikori prevailed 6-2, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 after two hours and 43 minutes over US-American Bradley Klahn. The seventh seed from Japan, runner-up at the US Open in 2014, claimed his 25th match win at his most successful Grand Slam event.
“He served really well today and I lost focus,” said Nishikori. “I’m happy to win and I’m looking forward to play the next one. I lost serve at 5-1 and 5-3 [in the fourth] but got through. It’s always fun playing in New York and I hope to keep playing good tennis.”
Nishikori will next face either Cristian Garin of Chile or Australian young gun Alex de Minaur.
Earlier in the day, it was announced that Borna Coric of Croatia has withdrawn from the US Open because of a lower back injury. Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov advances to the third round via walkover.
