Federer, Williams win

NEW YORK (AP):

The trick shot that was the highlight of Roger Federer's first-round win at the United States Open was most definitely real. He has even hit it before.

The five-time US Open champion was up at the net on Monday night when 96th-ranked Brian Dabul of Argentina lofted a lob. Federer spun around to sprint towards the baseline. A couple of steps before reaching the wall behind the court at Arthur Ashe Stadium, and with his back to the net, Federer swatted the ball between his legs. The shot landed in a corner beside Dabul, who raised his eyebrows and shrugged: "Only he can do that."

It was part of a remarkable 46-4 edge in winners for Federer during his 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 victory. It also was the highlight at Flushing Meadows on day one of the tournament, when past US Open champions Andy Roddick, Venus Williams and Kim Clijsters all advanced, while 2001 champion Lleyton Hewitt lost in the first round at New York for the first time.

The sublime bit of shotmaking was nearly identical to a back-to-the-court, through-the-legs passing winner Federer hit against Novak Djokovic in the 2009 US Open semi-finals.

"This one was incredible again," Federer said. "I turned around and couldn't believe the shot landed in the corner."

Asked if Monday's shot was better than the one against Djokovic, Federer said he would need to go to the videotape to be sure.

"In terms of difficulty, maybe this one was harder, because I had the feeling I had to run a longer distance and I was further back somehow," he said. "I had to really give the last big push at the end. I didn't have time to set it up.

"I always loved coming here," Federer said. "Never had a bad US Open."

Williams became only the fifth woman with 200 Grand Slam match wins by beating Roberta Vinci of Italy 6-4, 6-1.