US Open 2012: Roger Federer Starts Strong, Dispatches American Donald Young

Roger Federer is off to a strong start at the 2012 U.S. Open. He handily dispatched American hopeful Donald Young in straight sets. At no point in the 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 shellacking did it seem likely that Young would even steal a set.

Federer's dominance climaxed in the third set, when he won 100 percent of his first-serve points. Of the match, Federer said:

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I thought it was good, considering I played a very talented player who I didn’t know much. I haven’t played against him.

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Records at Stake

In addition to padding his records for most weeks at No. 1 and most Grand Slam victories, there are some new records Federer can achieve if he wins the U.S. Open next week. By earning his sixth US Open title, he would set an Open Era record, breaking his tie with Pete Sampras and Jimmy Connors.

He would also be the first player in tennis history to win six titles at two different Grand Slam venues, in his case, Wimbledon and the US Open.

Roger continues to own American hard court players

The American hard court style—though successful in the 1990s—has never been effective against Roger Federer. Andy Roddick—the best American player of this century—has partaken in a lopsided rivalry with Federer for most of his career.

Even as a teenager, Federer defeated Pete Sampras, who was then in the tail-end of his prime.

Donald Young is part of the latest wave of American hard court players. He has had some moderate success on hard courts but is hopeless on other surfaces. That style of play is futile against Roger Federer and the other members of the Big Four, even on the hard courts of New York.

Donald Young is not yet meeting expectations

Donald Young has been long viewed as the possible future of American tennis. However, he has not yet lived up to those expectations. Now in his ninth year as a pro, he is yet to win his first ATP tennis tournament. His 1-11 record at Majors and Master's tournaments in 2012 has not been encouraging.

On the Challenger Tour—the minor leagues of tennis—Young has won five tournaments. However, they have all been on hard courts. He has also not yet won a single Grand Slam match on any surface other than hard court.

Currently ranked No. 81 in the world, Young will fall dramatically in the rankings in two weeks when the results of the US Open become official.