Roger Federer overcame early rustiness to beat Damir Dzumhur 3-6 6-2 6-3 6-4 to reach the third round at the US Open.
Another slow start was made from Federer but the Swiss battled back in four sets to reach the last 32 in New York once again.
A lot of errors cost Federer early in the match, however he managed to bounce back to down a determined Dzumhur in four sets.
Dan Evans or Lucas Pouille now awaits on Friday as he looks to make the second week at the US Open.
After making a slow start in his first round match against Sumit Nagal, Federer would be looking to improve that in his second round clash under the Arthur Ashe roof.
But that idea didn’t quite come to fruition as the Swiss managed to play some of the worst tennis he’s played for years in the first 15 minutes.
The unforced errors increased with each game as a solid Damir Dzumhur broke twice for a 4-0 lead in the opening stages.
Even though there was some improvement in the latter stages of the opening set, Dzumhur managed to keep his clean and consistent hitting to take the opening set 6-3.
It was the first time in 78 grand slam appearances that Federer had lost the first set in his opening two rounds at a slam as his game looked rusty and inconsistent.
Just like his first round though, the third seed made a quick response in the second set as he showed better timing on his backhand return.
Accurate shot-making forced Dzumhur to play more aggressively which forced the errors out of the Bosnian and put Federer back in charge.
A whipped forehand in the open court sealed a second break for Federer in the set and levelled the match at one set all after an hour.
There was now a swagger about Federer as he kept his momentum to rush Dzumhur’s play and expand a 3-0 lead in the third set.
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Even though Federer started to play with freedom, he still managed to be frustrated with some of his shot selection as the Bosnian was still playing good tennis.
Despite some resilience in seventh game from the world number 99, Federer saved three break points and eventually sealed a 2 sets to 1 lead with an ace.
Another break of serve in the fourth set ensured that Federer was in control of the match as the Bosnian couldn’t convert his own break point opportunities.
It was a valiant effort from Dzumhur but in the end the 20-time grand slam champion overcame his early rustiness to prevail in four sets in 2 hours and 22 minutes.
After the match Federer was pleased to reach the third round after a slow start, “I just tried to make less errors and be better on the offensive,” Federer said in his post match interview.
“It takes me some time, I guess, so far, but I was able to protect my serve after a slow first set. I’m pleased at the end to find a way.”
Next up for Federer will be either Dan Evans or Lucas Pouille on Friday.
