Federer advances to 3rd round

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NEW YORK, Aug 30(AFP): Roger Federer defeated Thiago Alves 6-3, 7-5, 6-4 in the second round of the US Open Friday as he attempts to salvage a season where he has yet to win on hardcourts.

Federer extended his US Open match streak to 29 victories dating back to the round of 16 in 2003 when he lost to David Nalbandian.

He hammered 19 aces and won 80 per cent of his first serve points in the two hour, 14 minute match on the main Arthur Ashe Stadium.

"I was never really in danger, so it was actually pretty good for me," Federer said. "I knew the longer the match would go the more tired he would get."

Federer seeks to become the only player to win five or more successive titles at two separate Grand Slams. He has had just as much success at Wimbledon winning five straight beginning in 2003.

After a record 237 weeks as the world's number one, Federer lost his position to Rafael Nadal on August 18.