Defending champion Federer stutters into last 16
(Reuters)
Updated: 2005-09-05 11:44

NEW YORK, Sept 4 (Reuters) - Defending champion Roger Federer stuttered into the fourth round of the U.S. Open on Sunday with a 6-3 7-6 6-2 victory over Belgian Olivier Rochus, the 27th seed.

The top seed struggled for his rhythm but clinched victory in just under two hours to move into the last 16 without dropping a set.

He will now play German Nicolas Kiefer, the only man to take a set off him during his run to the Wimbledon title this year.

"We played tough matches at Cincinnati and Wimbledon," Federer said of Kiefer.

"He's improved a lot in the last few months and I expect it to be a tough match."

Federer took advantage of one service break to win the opening set. He recovered from an early break down in the second set, and then came back from a 4-1 deficit in the tiebreak to win it, 8-6.

That relaxed Federer and he broke Rochus twice in the final set to seal the victory.

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