Federer struggles past hobbled Youzhny at U.S. Open

Tennis - US Open - New York, U.S. - August 31, 2017 - Roger Federer of Switzerland celebrates winning his second round match against Mikhail Youzhny of Russia. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly

NEW YORK (Reuters) - World number three Roger Federer survived his second scare in as many matches but hung on to defeat Russian Mikhail Youzhny 6-1 6-7(3) 4-6 6-4 6-2 to reach the third round of the U.S. Open on Thursday.

Federer, who also claimed a come-from-behind five-set victory in his first round match against 19-year-old Frances Tiafoe, took advantage of a clearly hobbled Youzhny, who appeared to suffer from muscle cramps midway throughout.