Federer happy to be off the mark

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Federer, in his first match under the lights in 2009, won the second-round match 6-3 7-5 7-5 but it was not a straightforward win as the world number 65 forced the top seed to play some top-drawer tennis earlier in the tournament than he is not normally accustomed to.

"It's never easy, the first night session of the year here in New York and I saw him play a couple of times and he played really, really well so I knew it would be difficult," Federer said.

"The level was really high, there was great intensity but it's good to be back and it's great to win again."

Third seed Rafael Nadal made light work of his opening-round match, easing past Richard Gasquet of France in straight sets.

The third seed showed no signs of his recent fitness problems as he claimed a 6-2 6-2 6-4 victory to set up a meeting with Nicolas Kiefer of Germany.

Marat Safin's famously emotional temperament was kept in check as he reflected on his elimination from his last ever grand slam tournament at Flushing Meadows.

The former world number one has announced he will retire at the end of this season but his final US Open outing came to an end at the first hurdle as he lost 1-6 6-4 6-3 6-4 to Austria's Jurgen Melzer at Armstrong.

Frenchman Gael Monfils, the 13th seed, looked in fine fettle as he dispatched unseeded compatriot Jeremy Chardy in straight sets, 6-1 6-4 6-3.

Spaniard Juan Carlos Ferrero is also through after the 24th seed ousted Frenchman Fabrice Santoro, also playing his last US Open, 6-4 6-3 6-3, while Germany's Kiefer was also a winner in straight sets, sending Michael Llodra of France crashing out, 6-3 6-4 6-4.