Flawless Federer breezes through in New York
NEW YORK (AP) — Defending champion Roger Federer beat Radek Stepanek 6-3 6-3 6-2 on Sunday to breeze into the round of 16 at the U.S. Open.
To win his first Grand Slam of the season, the second-ranked Federer needs to take his fifth straight title at Flushing Meadows. He has not lost a set in three matches, and raised his right fist after zinging a final, winning forehand down the line against the Czech.
I guess it’s just nice to play well. Pretty simple, Federer said. No complaints.
Home hope Andy Roddick and third seed Novak Djokovic were set to play third-round matches later on Sunday.
Fifth-seeded Russian Nikolay Davydenko also advanced to the fourth round, defeating compatriot Dmitry Tursunov 6-2 7-6 (7-3) 6-3.
Luxembourg’s Gilles Muller, the only qualifier left on the men’s side, rallied past No. 18 Nicolas Almagro of Spain 6-7 (3-7) 3-6 7-6 (7-5) 7-6 (8-6) 7-5.
Almagro provided the day’s comic relief midway through his match.
Thinking his shot had missed, he grabbed a towel near the back wall to wipe his face. He then realized the ball was still in play and tried to recover, but lost the point.
