NEW YORK, Aug. 31 -- Swiss mogul Roger Federer needed a second successive five-setter to reach the US Open third round on Thursday as he toiled for a 6-1, 6-7(3), 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 win over fellow veteran Mikhail Youzhny of Russia in three hours.

It was the Australian Open and Wimbledon champion's 17th win in 17 matches against Youzhny in a rivalry stretching back to 2000.

Five-time US Open champion and third seed Federer had also needed five sets to see off US teenager Frances Tiafoe in the opening round.

"It wasn't always like this," the Swiss player said. "Back then, I used to win or lose in straight sets. But battles can be fun. I feel quite warmed up now."

"Losing that second set was huge for him, tough for me. It really put me in a tough spot there," he added. "I had to come up with something."

The 36-year-old Federer will face 35-year-old Feliciano Lopez of Spain for a place in the last 16.

【体坛英语资讯：Federer survives scare to beat Youzhny for 17th time at US Open】相关文章：

★ 体坛英语资讯：Seeded players raise US Open heat

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Britney Spears told to pay most of K-Feds fees

★ 体坛英语资讯：Boston stays hot at home

★ 体坛英语资讯：Mourinho rules himself out of England job

★ 体坛英语资讯：Chinese football teams hopes to make most of lucky draws

★ 体坛英语资讯：Beckham takes captains armband for friendly

★ 体坛资讯：Chinese badminton stars to attend Thailand Open GP gold

★ 体坛英语资讯：Vultures circling over Federer

★ 体坛英语资讯：Becker urges Federer to stay in Olympic village

★ 体坛英语资讯：Liu Xiang wins first world athletics crown