Federer's serve solid, Roddick loses at Cincinnati

Mason (Ohio), Aug 20 (AP) Roger Federer held serve throughout a 6-3, 7-5 win over Jose Acasuso in the second round of the Western and Southern Financial Group Masters, facing only one break point in his opener.

The Swiss star made 70 per cent of his first serves and piled up 14 aces while getting accustomed to the tournament's heat, humidity and famously fast courts yesterday.

"The transition to Cincy is always a difficult one," Federer said. "I've had very up and down results here. But it just showed sort of how hard it is to get used to these kind of courts. We don't usually play on these fast courts, you know. That's why I'm happy with today's match."

Parts of his game were a little slow, but his accurate serve pushed the speed limit and carried him through a star-packed day.