Roger Federer said that the thrill of playing in the US Open "never gets old" after he thrashed Yoshihito Nishioka in the first round on Tuesday.
The 37-year-old hit 56 winners as he put on another show in Arthur Ashe Stadium, easing to a 6-2, 6-2, 6-4 victory. Federer lit up the night session as he eyes a first title at Flushing Meadows for a decade and a 21st grand slam triumph.
The Swiss maestro, who played down retirement talk after appearing to suggest he was considering ending his career after seeing off Nishioka, still gets a kick out of gracing the famous New York courts, having made his main-draw debut in 2000.
READ: It was a total joke – Federer plays down retirement talk
"Thankfully, I wasn't too nervous, I felt good. I felt like I had a good preparation week, no hiccups there. I think that settles my nerves there," said the second seed.
"When you do walk out onto Arthur Ashe, you feel like people are there to see the show, enjoy themselves. Sure, they come for the tennis, but it's also sort of a bucket list, wanting to be there."
"So, yes, there's pressure. But, no, never gets old. I love coming to play here, it's been so many years now. It's great to have played also a good first round against an entertaining first-round opponent. I'm very pleased to be back in New York, of course."
The world number two will face Benoit Paire in the second round.
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