He did it again.
Roger Federer, who last year hit one of the most incredible shots in US Open history – a between the legs passing shot winner past Novak Djokovic in the 2009 semifinals – hit an equally stunning shot in his 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 over Argentina’s Brian Dabul Monday night in the first round.
In the third set, Federer raced back to retrieve a lob from Dabul and with his back to his opponent, stretched to reach it from well beyond the baseline and uncorked a rifle shot through his legs that rocketed deep into the backhand corner leaving the Argentine frozen in stunned appreciation.
Federer threw his arms up in triumph while cheers rained down and fans showed their adulation by bowing to the 16-time major champion while Dabul applauded with his racket.
The incredible shot highlighted a bravura performance by Federer, who improved to 16-0 under the lights at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
“I’ve only hit a few in my life and two on center court in night session play here in New York,” the second-seeded Federer said in an on-court interview. “It’s amazing to share this moment with you guys. Thanks for the ovation and I love it.”
Federer’s shot last year against Djokovic was featured in the U.S. Tennis Association’s US Open Series commercials this summer, where Federer gives an instructional on how to hit the shot. In the commercial, Federer cautions at the end, “Please do try this at home. I am a professional.”
Federer blasted 18 aces passed Dabul and cranked out 46 winners.
“I’ve never lost night sessions. I feel very much at home here,” said the 29-year-old Federer. “I always come out and played some good tennis here over the years. I’ve been in six straight finals.
“I would like to go there again this year. The path is long and rough, we’ll see how it goes. I’m excited to be back and playing well.”