|
 Federer has feasted on Australian opponents in grand slams over
the years, piling up an 18-1 record against men from Down Under, and
Groth, who was facing a top 10 opponent for the first time, proved
little more than a distraction to the Swiss maestro.
The burly Groth, who had a brief stint as an Australian Rules
football player in 2011, stepped onto Arthur Ashe Stadium court
looking ready for a fight but in the end could only wave the white
flag as Federer closed out the match with an ace, sweeping through
the final four games.
Throughout the one hour and 48 minutes contest the Australian took
his best shots at the 33-year-old, including booming serves of over
140mph.
"The 142, honestly I hit it and I turned around," said Federer, who
will next face Spain's Marcel Granollers, a 7-6(6) 6-7(3) 7-6(5) 3-6
6-4 winner over 25th seed Ivo Karlovic.
"I didn't know if it went into the stands or the bottom of the net
or on the other side. I just felt like I hit it clean.
"The 147 one I felt like I was there and felt like I had more
control on it.
"The difference between 142 and 147, there's none really in the
racquet. I think once you pass the 135 range everything is just
really fast."
MAN IN BLACK
Federer, dressed all in black, took a few games to feel out his
opponent before making the breakthrough to go 4-3 ahead, then held
serve to take the first set.
The second set opened with the two men trading breaks, with Federer
again gaining the upper hand and breaking Groth a second time to go
up 5-4 and serve out for a 2-0 lead.
[to top of second column] |
The 26-year-old Australian said he tried to focus on his own game and not
get swept away by the crowd's support for Federer.
"To be honest, for me, I was trying not to get caught up in the whole
Roger act out there," he said. "You walk out, you get a few cheers. He
walks out and the crowd goes ballistic.
"So from the word go you know he's there. I was honestly just trying to
focus on what I was doing.
"He's got an aura because of how good his tennis is. Yes, there's an
aura because of what he's done, but his tennis speaks for itself.
"You don't win 17 grand slams if your tennis is not that good. I knew I
was playing Roger Federer."
Groth, who watched compatriot Marinko Matosevic lose in straight sets to
Federer in his opening match, dug deep in the third set, scratching out
a 4-2 lead.
However, five-time champion Federer answered back with a break of his
own and then raced through the next three games to seal the victory.
(Editing by Peter Rutherford)
[© 2014 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.]
Copyright 2014 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
 |
