Roger Federer took full advantage of his big- match experience to control eager Brazilian Thiago Alves 6-3, 7-5, 6- 4 for a victory into the third round of the US Open on Friday. ( dpa )
The Swiss, seeded second at a major for the first time in more than four years behind Rafael Nadal, produced 54 winners and converted on four of 15 break chances in the contest.
The victory was his 29th straight at Flushing Meadows.
"I did well, it was a really difficult match," Federer said of the victory over number 137 Alves, playing in only his second Grand Slam.
"I'd never heard of him, but that's how it goes sometimes. He did well and made me work hard today."
The 12-time Grand Slam champion will await a winner from Radek Stepanek, who beat him in Rome this spring, and Australian Chris Guccione.