New York — World No1 Rafa Nadal dismissed Dusan Lajovic 7-6 (6) 6-2 6-2 to ease into the US Open second round on Tuesday, setting the Spaniard on a collision course for a long overdue Flushing Meadows showdown with Roger Federer. Federer, though, was made to battle by Frances Tiafoe in grinding out a 4-6 6-2 6-1 1-6 6-4 victory over the US teen in front of a raucous crowd. Federer looked more relieved than overjoyed when Tiafoe’s forehand found the net on match point to keep his hopes of a 20th Grand Slam title alive. "We had a good fight," Federer said in an on-court interview. "It was exciting and this is why I came to New York, to go through these emotions." Federer acknowledged he was worried about his back going into the match but said he felt "much, much better and this win will give me a lot of confidence", he said. Due to rain, the speedy two hour 35 minute five-setter was played under the closed roof of Arthur Ashe Stadium, which amplified the volume of the rowdy crowd. Fed...
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