Federer Cruises Past Nishioka in US Open First Round – Night session, sold out crowd at Arthur Ashe stadium, New York City, and Roger Federer. All the buzz for a first round Federer match at the US Open. The 5-time champion walked on court in an all-red (deep red/burgundy tone) Uniqlo outfit, matched with custom color-matching Nike Zoom Vapor X shoes to go along with whipping out the all-black version of his Wilson Pro Staff RF97 Autograph. In his press conference, the very first question was about his racket choice, as the newest version of the Pro Staff RF97 carries a black/white tuxedo design (see video below). On court, Federer sailed relatively smoothly to victory, defeating Yoshihito Nishioka 6-2 6-2 6-4. The 37-year-old Swiss breezed through two sets and a 4-0 lead in the third set, when the 22-year-old from Japan began playing his best tennis of the match. Nishioka managed to break serve with the Swiss serving for the match at 5-3, but Federer broke back to seal the win in 1 hour 52 minutes.
Federer served 14 aces to three double faults, putting 67% of his first serves into play, winning 78% of points on his first serve and 48% of points on his second serve. He often approached the net Tuesday night, winning 31 of 45 points, and converted 6 of 15 break point opportunities. Finishing the night with 56 winners and 32 unforced errors, the 20-time grand slam champion fended off 8 of 9 break points faced on his serve. Federer will face Benoit Paire in the second round on Thursday.
Roger Federer 2018 US Open Uniqlo Outfit
2018 Wilson Pro Staff RF97 Autograph Review
Federer DNA 2018 12 Pack Infrared Tennis Bag
“Thankfully I wasn’t too nervous tonight. I felt good. I felt like I had a good preparation week. No hiccups there. I think that settles my nerves there,” Federer said. “When you do walk out onto Arthur Ashe [Stadium], you feel like people are there to see the show, enjoy themselves. Sure, they come for the tennis, but it’s also sort of a bucket list, wanting to be there… it’s great to have played also a good first round against an entertaining first-round opponent.”
“I don’t know how nervous he was going in. But I’ve been in tough matches against left-handed players over the years, like Rafa. I know what left-handed players can do,” Federer said. “But at the end of the day the aura, it doesn’t win you the match every time. You have to go out there, you have to work hard. I just finally stopped sweating. I also put in a lot of effort. You have to bring it every single time.”
Federer Cruises Past Nishioka in US Open First Round
Source: ATP World Tour