By ADAM ZAGORIA
NEW YORK — While Novak Djokovic had to battle the brutal heat of the daytime, Roger Federer enjoyed the comparatively cooler night conditions at the US Open.
After Djokovic battled 96-degree heat during the day to prevail over Marton Fuscovics in four sets, Federer dispatched Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka, 6-2, 6-2, 6-4, in 1 hour, 52 minutes under the lights in Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Federer, the five-time champion who hasn’t won here since 2008, improved to 18-0 in opening-round matches in New York. He smacked 56 winners against 32 unforced errors and also had 14 aces.
“I’m very happy to be back in New York healthy,” said Federer, who did not play here in 2016 due to injury and then lost in the quarterfinals last year to Juan Martin del Potro. “The last few years have been difficult so it’s nice to be back feeling good. Almost time to retire but not yet.”
Asked later about potential retirement plans, the 37-year-old Federer told John McEnroe on ESPN, “I have no plans to retire,” adding that McEnroe would be the first to know when he did.
He then amplified his answer during his press conference, saying it was a joke in reference to keeping his perfect 18-0 first-round record intact.
“That was meaning like I never lost a first-round match here at the Open,” he said. “I won all my 18s. You don’t want that to happen next year. I said maybe I could retire now, because I protect my 18 first-run wins here. That’s what I meant with it. It’s a total joke, yes.”
Federer is the all-time men’s leader with 20 Grand Slam singles titles, although rivals Rafael Nadal (17) and Novak Djokovic (13) are hot on his trail and both are favored here.
Federer will next play France’s Benoit Paire in the second round Thursday. After that, he could potentially play No. 30 Nick Kyrgios, the talented yet mercurial Australian, who advanced in four sets over Radu Albot.
“I’d like to see Kyrgios-Federer third round, I cannot tell a lie,” McEnroe said on ESPN.
Federer might have to face Djokvoic, the No. 6 seed, in the quarterfinals, with No. 1 Nadal potentially looming in the final. Together, the trio has won 50 Grand Slam singles titles.
Just ridiculous…@rogerfederer#USOpen pic.twitter.com/XBKnRq58RS
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 29, 2018
Asked about the conditions on Tuesday, Federer said: “I think it’s particularly tough for us Europeans. We don’t get this type of humidity where we live and grow up so it’s something we have to get used to during our years on tour. You’re sweating so much you don’t know what hit you. …You’re just going to cramp up sometimes. It’s tough so you’re happy when you survive a day like this, no doubt.”
Photo: US Open
Follow Adam Zagoria on Twitter
