New York - Grand slam king Roger Federer kept up his sprint through the early rounds of the US Open by steamrolling Steve Darcis of Belgium 6-1, 6-2, 6-1 to reach the third round of the year's final grand slam.
Second seed Federer, who took just 80 minutes to register victory over the 66th-ranked Darcis under the lights at Arthur Ashe Stadium, has lost just nine games in his first two matches at Flushing Meadows this week.
The 34-year-old Swiss, so comfortable in the spotlight of the night programme, matched Serena Williams for most US Open wins registered under the lights as he improved his record to 29-1.
“I've enjoyed myself so many times, so many years. It's wonderful that I can still experience it and play this well. It's great,” Federer said in an on-court interview. “I hope this is not my last one, of course.”
Federer, who has won an all-time leading 17 grand slam men's singles titles but none since the 2012 Wimbledon title, will next meet Germany's Philipp Kohlschreiber, a straight sets winner against Czech Lukas Rosol.
REUTERS