Federer raced into US Open 3rd round

NEW YORK: Five-time champion US Open champion Roger Federer raced into the third round of the US Open on Thursday with a 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 victory over Israeli Dudi Sela.

Federer didn't face a break point in the 77-minute encounter, earning his fifth break of the match in penultimate game and serving it out without fuss.

After schooling the 93rd-ranked Sela, Federer was prompted to give a little serving clinic to the Arthur Ashe stadium crowd.

The Swiss great stressed the importance of the ball toss, and advised gripping the racquet lightly "like a hammer".

Federer next faces 27th-seeded Croatian Marin Cilic, who notched a comfortable 6-1, 6-0, 6-2 victory over 18-year-old Australian Bernard Tomic, the youngest player left in the men's draw.

Cilic was happy to get past the youngster in three sets, after he was extended to five sets by Tomic at the Australian Open in January.

The 22-year-old, ranked 28th in the world, was looking forward to a shot at Federer. The Swiss star has won both of their prior encounters, most recently at Monte Carlo this year.

Federer, seeded third behind surging world number one Novak Djokovic and defending champion Rafael Nadal, has had a modest season by his standards, with just one title, in Doha.

He hasn't won a major since the 2010 Australian Open, and this year's US Open is his last chance to extend his streak of eight years with at least one major title.