US Open 2014: Roger Federer receives Michael Jordan's applause following tweener shot in win over Marinko Matosevic
The basketball great was in attendance at Flushing Meadows
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Roger Federer launched his bid for an 18th grand slam title with a workmanlike 6-3 6-4 7-6 (4) win over Marinko Matosevic to ease into the second round of the U.S. Open on Tuesday, with NBA great Michael Jordan leading the cheering.
A five-time U.S. Open champion, Federer never appeared threatened by Matosevic but the 76th ranked Australian still forced the Swiss maestro to work up a sweat in front of an enthusiastic center court crowd.
Dressed all in black, Federer broke his opponent once in each set but in the third Matosevic finally broke back forcing it to a tie-break, which the Swiss won 7-4 by clinching the final three points.
Federer can count some of the world's great athletes as his biggest supporters, golfer Tiger Woods among those who have made the trip to Flushing Meadows to watch the 17-time grand slam winner.
But Tuesday's first round match was something special for the 33-year, who finally got the chance to meet his childhood hero and Nike stablemate.
"He (Jordan) was just my hero of all sports," said Federer, who will next meet another Australian Sam Groth.
VIDEO: Jordan's reaction to Federer's tweener shot
"That's what he was for me growing up. "Besides (Stefan) Edberg and (Boris) Becker being my tennis idols, I had Jordan as my all sports idol.
"I just remember when I was younger; in Germany it was really big on the German TV stations.
"That's where I saw him doing all his moves. I wasn't necessarily a Chicago Bulls fan or anything like that.
"It's just I was into him, into the incredible athlete, just being that guy who was carrying basketball at the time.
"So I guess that's what inspired me."
Federer's opening match was more methodical than inspirational but Jordan appeared genuinely interested in what was unfolding on centre court.
Even though they had just met it was clear that Federer and Jordan share a unique bond, their excellence uniting them in a way few could understand.
"His longevity, the way he made it look easy, his will to win, wanting to be the best, delivering under pressure, being a superstar in a team sport, carrying his team for so many years," said Federer, rolling out a long list of superlatives that many would use to describe his career.
"There's so many things that he did well and represented the game really nicely, I thought.
"That's why he also became my idol.
"He wanted to know some things about tennis. How I prepare, all these things, how much I play, where I go next.
"These kind of things, you exchange each other's ideas about your respective sports and that's kind of what you talk about."
REUTERS
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments