Wednesday 27 August 2014 18:19, UK
Roger Federer eased into the second round of the US Open with a workmanlike 6-3 6-4 7-6 (7-4) win over Marinko Matosevic.
Federer, a five-time US Open champion, was never really troubled by the Australian although Matosevic did continue fighting throughout.
Federer, the second seed, fired down 10 aces and hit 41 winners – with the only blot on his copybook coming in the third set when Matosevic finally broke back.
"It was a bit more difficult than I thought it was going to be in the third set,” said Federer. “Marinko has a big game.”
Federer, who is targeting the 18th grand slam title of a stunning career, was cheered on by NBA legend Michael Jordan.
The 33-year-old, who will next meet Sam Groth, said: "He was just my hero of all sports.
"That's what he was for me growing up. Besides (Stefan) Edberg and (Boris) Becker being my tennis idols, I had Jordan as my all sports idol.
"I just remember when I was younger; in Germany it was really big on the German TV stations.
"That's where I saw him doing all his moves. I wasn't necessarily a Chicago Bulls fan or anything like that.
“It's just I was into him, into the incredible athlete, just being that guy who was carrying basketball at the time. So I guess that's what inspired me."
