Roger Federer Eases Into Second Round With Lesson for Young Devin Britton

With 15 grand slam titles to his name, Roger Federer has not got where he is without possessing something of a ruthless streak. But for all his ability, it is not in his nature to be cruel and so it was no surprise that he should take it easy today as he began the defence of his US Open title with a 6-1, 6-3, 7-5 victory over Devin Britton, an American teenager making his senior grand slam debut.

Chasing a modern-day record sixth US Open title, the Swiss even allowed the 18-year-old to break his serve twice and it was only when Britton got ahead that his game clicked into a higher gear and he eased into the second round. A horribly nervous Britton was overawed in an 18-minute first set but he performed well enough in the second and third to at least make Federer play some good tennis as he advanced to a second-round clash with Simon Greul of Germany.

"He did play, I think, really well," Federer said of his young opponent. "He had some very good spells and I had to make sure from my side that I stayed with him and came back because I was down a break in the second and in the third. So it was good to still get through in three sets."

Being drawn against Federer is a double-edged sword. On one hand it's an opportunity of a lifetime for an up and coming player; on the other, it provokes feelings of fear and trepidation that you might be overwhelmed. It was to Britton's credit that he bounced back well from a shocking first set and Federer said it was hard for young players not to have an inferiority complex when taking on the game's top stars.

"I think with the success I've had, especially young players right now, they'll always be in awe maybe of great players. It's interesting now, with a new generation coming up and almost idolizing some players. That's what happened with me. All of a sudden I was in front of Pete Sampras [in 2001] at Wimbledon and I couldn't believe it."

The difference between Federer and the rest, though, is that Federer beat Sampras at Wimbledon in 2001 and two years later was lifting the trophy. Britton can dream, but Federer has his sights set on extending his record of grand-slam titles to 16.