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NEW YORK - Top seed Roger Federer began his bid for a fourth consecutive US Open title with a nonchalant 6-3 6-2 6-4 victory over American qualifier Scoville Jenkins in the first round on Tuesday (NZ time).
The world number one, going for his 12th grand-slam crown, wrapped up victory in just 92 minutes and now plays either Rainer Schuettler of Germany or Paul Capdeville of Chile.
"It always feels kind of a relief to get through the first one," Federer said in a courtside interview.
"It was tough. Scoville is a good player and I'm happy to get through. Now hopefully I can relax a little."
Federer was rarely threatened on serve and broke Jenkins, the world number 319, four times reach the second round.
- REUTERS