Federer cruises past Nishioka into US Open second round

Roger Federer opened his US Open campaign with a largely trouble-free victory over Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka on Tuesday.

Playing under the lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium, Federer won 6-2 6-2 6-4, surviving a late fightback from the world No.177 to advance.

Federer’s win means he will meet Benoit Paire in the second round, a player who held match points against the Swiss when they met in Halle in June.

Paire, who had lost all six of his meetings with the Swiss, ousted Austria’s Denis Novak in four sets.

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Federer took his record in US Open first-round matches to a flawless 18-0.

And it was a far cry from his opening match at Flushing Meadows 12 months ago, when he scratched his way to a five-set win over then-teenager Frances Tiafoe.

“I’m very happy to be back in New York healthy Last couple of years have been difficult so it’s nice to be back feeling really good,” said Federer, who missed the 2016 event due to a knee injury and battled a dodgy back last year.

“I’m happy I never stumbled at the first hurdle. Almost time to retire, but not yet (smiling). I’m happy I played well tonight.”

Like the weather. Roger Federer starts his 2018 #USOpen with a scorcher. 14 aces, 56 winners and 8 of 9 break points converted for the Swiss, who defeats Yoshihito Nishioka, 6-2, 6-2, 6-4. [Getty] pic.twitter.com/BRl6667pUM

— TennisNow (@Tennis_Now) August 29, 2018

Federer, a five-time champion in New York, led Nishioka 5-1 in the third set and had a match point, which the left-hander erased with a winner.

Nishioka went on to hold, break, then hold again, pumping his fist as he chewed up Federer’s healthy lead on the scoreboard.

On his second attempt at serving out the match, the second seed tightened up his game, serving intelligently and playing calmly to end the resistance of his gallant opponent.

“Nishioka was a tough opponent. He’s got fast legs, he’s got a bright future ahead of him. So I was very happy with how I played tonight,” said Federer, who last won the title in 2008.