Federer off to flying start at US Open

New York:

Roger Federer began his quest for his fifth consecutive US Open title in stunning fashion with a dominating 6-3, 6-0, 6-3 win over Maximo Gonzalez on Tuesday.

The second seeded Swiss star lost his world No. 1 ranking last week to Rafael Nadal and is hoping that another win at Flushing Meadows can salvage his season.

He fired 15 aces and hammered 39 winners on the main Arthur Ashe Stadium court in front of a crowd of about 20,000. He also converted seven of 13 break point opportunities and won 73 percent of his first serves.

Federer dispatched Argentina's Gonzalez in a scant 82 minutes and advances to the second round where he will face Thiago Alves of Brazil.

Federer uncharacteristically has just two titles this season and failed to defend his Australian Open and Wimbledon crowns.

Federer suffered a surprising quarter-final loss to journeyman American James Blake in the Beijing Olympic men's singles.

But he managed to turn a negative into a positive by winning the gold medal in doubles with countryman Stanislas Wawrinka.

Federer said winning gold in the Summer Games has rekindled his passion for the game.

"The Olympic gold in doubles gave me a great lift," Federer said. "It really inspired me and I hope to use that to do well here.

"It is a special memory. It was unbelievable to listen to the national anthem and share that moment with my friend."

Federer, who has reached the semi-finals or better in 17 straight majors, remains two Grand Slam titles shy of tying Pete Sampras' all-time record of 14.

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