Magical Federer through to second round
August 31, 2010 10:28:22 UK
Roger Federer once again produced a moment of sheer genius to stun a grand slam audience during his otherwise routine first-round victory at the US Open today.
Federer had won the first set against Argentina's Brian Dabul and was 5-3 up in the second when he managed to hit a winner from between his legs with his back to the court.
Dabul had seemingly played the perfect lob which landed just inside the baseline, but Federer came up with a mirror image of his famous winner in the semi-final of the 2009 US Open against Novak Djokovic.
The world number two received a standing ovation from the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd, while a wave of his arms suggested Federer could not believe the shot himself.
To his credit, world number 96 Dabul saved five break points in that game and four in his previous service game before Federer eventually served out for the set on his way to a 6-1 6-4 6-2 victory in 93 minutes.
Speaking about the shot between his legs, Federer said: "I thought I was a bit late and had to give it one last push to get there but thought 'I could do this again'.
"It's different because Novak was at the net but I've only hit a few in my life and to do two on Centre Court in night sessions is amazing.
"I feel very much at home here, I've always played some good tennis, six straight finals and would like to go there again this year and I'm excited to be back and playing well."
The only disappointing aspect of Federer's performance was converting just five of his 19 break points, but the 16-time Grand Slam winner said: "I had a lot of chances but credit to Brian too, his first time in a major and on centre court and I think he did a good job."
Roger Federer can be backed at 2.10 to win the 2010 US Open with rivals Andy Murray 10001.00, Rafael Nadal 2.00 and Novak Djokovic available at 8.00.
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