Federer recovers to beat Hewitt at U.S. Open

NEW YORK -- Top-seeded Roger Federer has overcome an error-filled first set to beat former No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt in the U.S. Open's third round.

Federer recovered from a sloppy stretch -- and a fall -- to eliminate Hewitt 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, 6-4 Saturday and extend his winning streak at Flushing Meadows to 37 matches.

Federer is trying to become the first man since Bill Tilden in 1920-25 to win six consecutive titles at the American Grand Slam tournament.

Up a break and serving at 4-2, 40-love, Federer ran into trouble, spraying shots all over the place. Hewitt, whose two major championships include the 2001 U.S. Open, took advantage and claimed the opening set.

But Federer turned things around and now has defeated Hewitt 14 times in a row.