Roger Federer narrowly avoided a stunning U.S. Open second-round exit by battling back to defeat world No. 101 Mikhail Youzhny in five sets, 6-1, 6-7, 4-6, 6-4, 6-2.
Most expected a one-sided affair, as Federer entered the match with a perfect 16-0 record against Youzhny. But Federer struggled in defeating 19-year-old American Francis Tiafoe in five sets in the first round, which raised questions as to the state of the Swiss's game.
Federer, seeded third in the tournament and seeking his third major of the year and 20th overall, breezed through a 6-1 opening set in 26 minutes.