Federer, Roddick Headline Day 1 Action

World No. 1 Roger Federer begins his pursuit of a record-tying sixth straight US Open title on Monday afternoon at Flushing Meadows, facing off against American rookie Devin Britton in the first men’s match at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Despite the pressure of attempting to match Bill Tilden’s long-standing record, the 28-year-old Swiss was relaxed ahead of his title defence.

“I've won already two Slams this year,” said Federer, who won Roland Garros and Wimbledon to become the all-time Grand Slam title leader. “That takes away pressure from maybe having to do well here, like the feeling I had last year, not having won a Slam last year, trying to get the first one. This year is different. I feel like I'm playing great. That gives me obviously a lot of confidence and relaxes my mind.”

Federer has been the hottest player on the ATP World Tour since mid-May, compiling a 26-1 mark and four titles in his last five appearances. He has also won 34 straight matches at the US Open (45-4 overall mark), with his last loss coming against David Nalbandian in the fourth round in 2003.

Federer empathised with 18-year-old wild card recipient Britton ahead of their opening match as he recalled playing Andre Agassi as a 17-year-old at his hometown tournament in Basel. “I was in shock, but you try to enjoy it and try to put in a good fight,” remembered the Swiss. “This is a bit different, this is a Grand Slam. Best of five set match, maybe something Britton has never played before, but I think it's a good thing in tennis is you always have a chance. Doesn't matter who you play, where you play… You have to be very careful. I have to make sure I put in a good performance.”

Mississippi native Britton, last year’s US Open junior finalist (l. to Dimitrov), turned professional earlier this year after becoming just the third player in history to win the NCAA title in his freshman year.

Top American and 2003 champion Andy Roddick headlines the evening session on Arthur Ashe Stadium, facing off against German Bjorn Phau. Roddick has a 2-0 record against his opponent, most recently defeating Phau en route to the Beijing title last September.

Roddick, who celebrates his 27th birthday today, felt prepared to improve upon last year’s quarter-finals effort at Flushing Meadows. “Comparatively speaking to last year, at this point last year I felt like I was playing catch up, and not just from a tennis perspective but I was behind the ball as far as fitness and health, and I was coming in here literally hoping to win a couple matches,” he said. “This year I feel a lot more confident of my ability to go out there and play well and execute.”

Another past champion, 2001 winner Lleyton Hewitt, goes for his 40th match win at the US Open when he opens against Brazilian Thiago Alves on Monday. The two-time ATP World Tour Champion reached the quarter-finals at ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Cincinnati in his last tournament appearance before losing to Federer, whom he could meet again in the third round this week.

Americans James Blake also begins his campaign Monday on Louis Armstrong Stadium, and will face Spaniard Ruben Ramirez Hidalgo. Blake, the No. 21 seed, is looking to snap a five-match losing streak that began in the Queen’s Club final (l. to Murray). He played in just one tournament during the 2009 US Open Series after breaking his toe during the United States’ Davis Cup tie against Croatia in July.