Federer grabs first-round U.S. Open win with a flourish

　 Roger Federer of Switzerland thanks his fans after defeating Brian Dabul of Argentina during his opening night match at the U.S. Open tennis tournamentin New York, August 30, 2010. Reuters photo
　
　

　 Roger Federer of Switzerland hits a backhand against Brian Dabul of Argentina during their opening night match at the U.S. Open tennis tournament in NewYork, August 30, 2010. Reuters photo


　
　

　 Brian Dabul of Argentina returns a forehand to Roger Federer of Switzerland during their opening night match at the U.S. Open tennis tournament in NewYork August 30, 2010. Reuters photo

NEW YORK – Roger Federer served notice he was still a powerhouse at the U.S. Open and punctuated his performance with another sensational shot for the ages in a first-round rout over Argentine Brian Dabul on Monday.

Federer, whose run of five successive U.S. titles was snapped last year in a five-set final against Argentine Juan Martin Del Potro, closed the opening day"s action with a 6-1 6-4 6-2 victory on Arthur Ashe center court.

The Swiss maestro turned master showman when he reprised the between-the-legs winner he hit last year in the semi-finals against Serbia"s Novak Djokovic with an equally spectacular between-the-legs winner that left Dabul stunned on the other side of the net late in the second set.

Federer threw his arms up in triumph while cheers rained down as fans showed their adulation by bowing to the 16-time major champion and Dabul applauded with his racket.

The second-seeded Federer next plays Germany"s Andreas Beck, who beat compatriot Michael Berrer in straight sets.

(Agencies)