Roger Federer pushed to five sets by world No. 70 in US Open first round

BREATHE a sigh of relief, hopes of seeing Roger Federer claim a third Grand Slam this year remain alive after the Swiss maestro survived an opening round scare at the US Open.

Roger Federer at the US Open

HOPES of seeing Roger Federer claim a third Grand Slam this year remain alive after the Swiss maestro survived an opening round scare at the US Open.

US prodigy Frances Tiafoe pushed the 19-time Grand Slam champion to five sets in their encounter at Flushing Meadows, where Federer remains the favourite to lift the trophy.

The 19-year-old — regarded as one of the USA’s most exciting up and coming prospects — made quite the statement, winning the opening set 6-4.

But it was not meant to be with Federer — whose record of never losing in the opening round in New York remains in tact — prevailing 4-6, 6-2, 6-1, 1-6, 6-4 after two hours and 47 minutes.

“That was more than a test,” Federer said. “I’m happy with the match, it was exciting.

“I had a slow start, he was so good from the beginning. I was worried about my back issue from a few weeks ago. Fourth set was a pit I couldn’t get into the driving seat. When things connect for him, he’s great, he’s going to have a very good future.”

When asked about his fitness, Federer added: “Extremly well, I’m back this year, I wasn’t here last year.

“To get through five sets you have to be OK somehow.”

Federer will next meet either Russia’s Mikhail Youzhny or Slovenia’s Blaz Kavcic as he chases a record sixth US Open crown.

Who is Frances Tiafoe?

The young American tennis talent has just ensured the world knows who he is, taking 19-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer to give sets in the opening round of the US Open. He first appeared at a Grand Slam (singles) in 2015 - at Flushing Meadows but his best performances on the big stage have been in Australia and at Wimbledon. Earlier this month he claimed his biggest scalp beating Alexander Zverev at the Cincinnati Masters.

Age 19

Turned pro 2015

World Ranking 70

Career high ranking 60

Originally published as Roger Federer pushed to five sets by world No. 70 in US Open first round