US Open: Roger Federer beats beard-sponsored Benoit Paire in straight sets to set up Nick Kyrgios clash
The second seed clipped the hipster Frenchman down to size, winning 7-5 6-4 6-4 and will take on the fiery Australian who went through in typically controversial circumstances
CRAZY Benoit Paire has a beard sponsor — but his match against Roger Federer was anything but a close shave.
There were only a few hairy moments for the 20-time Grand Slam winning legend who eventually wiped the floor with the madcap Frenchman who is an ambassador for beard care product Beardilizer.
Fed, as always, effortlessly moved through the gears on Arthur Arthur Ashe Stadium, seeing off Paire 7-5 6-4 6-4 in one hour and 57 minutes.
Paire is one of the more colourful players on the ATP Tour and is known to unleash a wicked temper when it all goes wrong.
The Swiss legend, however, was simply too good for the world No56 and now faces another larger-than-life character in round three on Friday - Aussie Nick Kyrgios.
Federer said: "I did well to stick in during a close first set so I am happy to get through.
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"It’s different to play a player like that, he can be quite tactical and is tough. He makes you second guess yourself so you need to stay focused. I am just pleased to get into the third round."
The unpredictable Paire, who flung himself all over the court, pushed the Swiss maestro close in the first set but the 37-year-old was just too consistent.
Federer won an impressive 75 per cent of points on his first serve and never looked in any real danger.
He cannot wait to take on the Aussie star and added: "We have had some good matches over the years, we enjoy playing against each other.
"He’s super talented and a nice guy with one of the best serves in the game so I am looking forward to it."
Kyrgios beat Paire's compatriot Pierre-Hugues Herbert in his second-round match, coming from a set and a break down to win in four sets.
But the win was overshadowed by an apparent pep talk from chair umpire Mohamed Lahyani who appeared to give the Australian a boost as he won 19 of the next 25 games to secure the win.
Federer will not be fazed by Kyrgios, though, as the great continues to perform at the highest level, even if he is the twilight of his fantastic career.
The world No2 and second seed added: "I have been hearing about me potentially retiring for the last nine years. You wonder why they keep asking me but I just take it with a smile.
"I think I have improved many things over the years, I feel I am more of a complete player from when I last won here in 2008."
