Federer Advances at Open, But Venus Falls in Night Session
The world’s top-ranked player Roger Federer put on another clinic during an evening session at the U.S. Open on Thursday. Federer easily dispatched of Germany’s Bjorn Phau in straight sets, 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 to reach the third round of the 2012 U.S. Open. Federer did everything well, serving up 15 aces to go along with 44 winners in all as he needed just 90 minutes to advance.
"He had a slight opportunity to come back at the end of the second at 5-2 when I was serving for it at deuce," said Federer. "Then I was at two sets to love. When you first break, you think he’s not going to be able to turn this match around anymore, I’m feeling too good. I know I can bring my serves when I need to. I got the rhythm."
The Swiss broke in the fourth game to establish control and never loosened his grip on the match as he cruised through to a fourth round encounter with Spain’s Fernando Verdasco. Federer has won all four of his meetings with Verdasco, but will be tested when they play on Saturday.
"It was a great night of tennis, not too much wind," said Federer of the evening’s playing conditions. "I faced a great opponent who was also ready to do some shot-making. I enjoyed it, like I always do, particularly the night sessions."
Things did not turn out so well for Venus Williams as she excited the late night New York crowd and fought valiantly but it wasn’t enough to overcome sixth-seeded Angelique Kerber of Germany. The pro-American crowd tried it’s best to pull Venus through, but Kerber’s mental toughness in three-set matches was the difference as Kerber came out on top, 6-2, 5-7, 7-5 in a match ending at 12:23 a.m. EST. Kerber improved to 19-2 in three-set matches in 2012. Next up for Kerber is Olga Govortsova in the third round.
"I knew this was not an easy second round," Kerber said after the match. "She’s such a great player. She has won so many Grand Slams. And I knew before the match the crowd would be behind her. But it was an unbelievable feeling to play her out there, and it’s the first night match I’ve won here, so it’s very special."
