'Fed' likes idea of roof, but not chat

Roger Federer is all in favor of the roof which will tower over the cavernous Arthur Ashe Stadium at next year's US Open - just don't ask him to discuss it mid-match.

The five-time US Open champion believes the retractable roof may play into the hands of the top players as it eliminates the effect of outside factors, the tournament falls in line with the Australian Open and Wimbledon with a covered showpiece arena.

"I like the feeling of these big center courts with the roof on. We're used to it at the Australian Open, Wimbledon, Shanghai, other places," Federer said.

"I think it's going to increase the level of play from all players. If you think about it, probably more so the top players, because you know what to expect and you're not going to have to fight the wind as much.

"If you don't have to fight the wind you can play closer to the lines and make it better tennis.."

Federer, at 34 and bidding to become the oldest US Open champion since Ken Rosewall in 1970, eased through the first round on Tuesday by seeing off Argentina's world No 34 Leonardo Mayer 6-1, 6-2, 6-2.

Although he supports new-look playing areas, he is not a big fan of the latest fad - mid-match television interviews.

"I understand the idea, but what's too much? What's enough? I understand pushing the boundaries and being more accessible," said Federer.

"For me, in some ways it's - I haven't done it in 17 years, so why start now?"