Roger Federer laid to rest any rumors that his nagging back injuries would prevent him from continuing at the US Open, cruising past Spain’s Feliciano Lopez 6-3,6-3,7-5 in the third round of the annual tournament that takes place in Queens, New York. Federer, now 13-0 against Lopez, is aiming to win his third Grand Slam this year and the 20th of his magnificent career.
The win saw the 36-year-old Federer, a five-time champion in Flushing Meadows, advance to the fourth round at the US Open for the 16th time, with German Philipp Kohlschreiber awaiting him.
Federer was in command early against Lopez, losing just two points on serve in the first set and breaking in the sixth game.
As has been the case throughout their previous meetings, Lopez, the 31st seed, struggled to find answers, with Federer winning the last four games of the second set to be in complete control inside an hour.
A double fault from Lopez gifted Federer a 3-1 lead in the third set, only for the Spaniard to respond immediately.
But Federer broke again at the crucial moment, Lopez sending a forehand into the net on match point in the 12th game.
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