Roger Federer returns a shot to Del Potro. Photos: AFP
Roger Federer, playing in his final event before the US Open, surged into the third round of the ATP and WTA hard court tournament Wednesday by beating Juan Martin del Potro in straight sets.
The Swiss star, who turned 30 earlier this month, cruised past Del Potro 6-3, 7-5 for his first win over the Argentine in their last three matches which included the 2009 US Open final. Federer had won their first six meetings, dating back to Wimbledon in 2007.
"I played some tough matches against him in the past and obviously the US Open final sticks out the most," Federer said. "I told him at the net that it was good to see him back."
Federer hammered 12 aces and won 83 percent of his first serve points in the 92 minute match on center court.
Federer said he felt confident but a little nervous going into the second round contest.
"There was a lot of pressure," said Federer, whose only title this season came in Doha in January.
"I mixed it up well with slices and strong forehands and I was able to retrieve well today."
Del Potro, who upset Federer in five sets in the 2009 US Open final, is climbing back up the rankings after missing much of 2010 with a wrist injury that required surgery.
"We can't compare the 2009 match and this one," Del Potro said. "I feel well tonight, but Roger played like No. 1 in the world. He was very confident with his serve."
"I'm much better than I expected to be at this stage. I don't have any pain, no dangerous pain. My wrist is OK and I can play on every surface," said the Argentine.
It was a much closer encounter in the second set which was played to serve until the Swiss broke to go 6-5 up.
Federer had missed out on six break points prior to winning that game. He then held serve to go through to face American James Blake.
France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga looked back to full fitness while Czechs Tomas Berdych and Radek Stepanek came through their first tests.
Wimbledon semifinalist Tsonga defeated Croat Marin Cilic 6-3, 6-4 in the opening round, dropping just six points on serve and hitting nine aces.
Tsonga had suffered an arm injury that caused him to withdraw during his semifinal against Serbia's Novak Djokovic at the Montreal Masters last week but he looked to be striking the ball without any hindrance.
Berdych, the eighth seed, breezed through his second round match against Argentine Juan Monaco in straight sets 7-6, 6-0.
Compatriot Stepanek came out on top against big-serving American John Isner 7-5, 5-7, 7-6 in a tough encounter lasting two hours and 46 minutes.
