Many already have a Rafael Nadal versus Roger Federer semifinal showdown at the US Open penciled in. And while that is clearly premature thinking, both took their first step to meeting each other for the first time at the US Open with opening round wins.

2017 has been the year of veterans Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. Regardless of what happens during this fortnight, their accomplishments thus far have been quite remarkable considering how 2016 finished for the two greats. As rain fell in New York, these two legends played under the roof of Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Rafael Nadal overcame a slow start and spirited effort from Dusan Lajovic to advance with a 7-6, 6-2, 6-2 win.

The first set was a challenge for the Spaniard who found himself staring at a potential one set deficit as the Serb served for the set at 5-4. But Nadal stepped up and earned a service break and play went to a very competitive tie-break. Nadal jumped out to a 4-1 lead in the breaker but Lajovic worked himself back to 5-5. However, with the tiebreak squared at 6 apiece, the veteran took the last two points.

Nadal sprinted out quickly in the second and third sets, putting a stranglehold on the match. It was far from his best performance but good enough to advance despite having more unforced errors than winners.

He acknowledged that he needs to play better afterward, “I need to keep improving,” he said. “The first round is never easy. There are nerves to play in this amazing place.” He, also, stated he that he had difficulty adjusting to the acoustics with the roof closed on Ashe, “There is a lot of noise when the roof is closed,” he said. “Big change.”

Meanwhile, Roger Federer played the nightcap on Arthur Ashe Stadium and got all he could handle in Frances Tiafoe in a tightly contested five-setter. He survived and advanced 4-6, 6-2, 6-1, 1-6, 6-4.

It was a roller-coaster ride for Federer fans as his level of play changed with each set. The 5-time US Open champ was slow out of the gates as the fired-up American quickly put the Swiss in a hole with an early break. Tiafoe’s play was high, while the veteran struggled in finding consistency which had some questioning whether there were lasting effects from a recently injured back.

But in the second set, Federer slowly began to heat up, gained control, and quickly evened the match. And in the third, it appeared that he had finally found his stride as he confidently carried his momentum to a 2-1 set lead.

However, in the third set, Federer relapsed and began to strike uncharacteristic errors, much like in the opening set. Tiafoe fed off the veteran’s receding play and with the crowd on his side, hoping for a fifth set, he gained two service breaks. Federer conceded the set and looked to regroup for the decisive set.

In the all-important fifth set, the 19-time major found his top-gear once more and seized control early. Tiafoe was forced to dig out of a hole that appeared to be a task too large. But with Federer serving to close out the match at 5-3, the match tilted once more and the young American fought his way back in the set with a service break that sent the New York crowd into a frenzy. But the youngster could not consolidate it as Federer finally closed out the match, breaking Tiafoe once more as a look of relief came across his face.

Federer reflected on his play afterward, “I don't think I had the preparation I was hoping to get,” he said. “Since Montreal, focus has been more on the back, making sure I can play the tournament rather than being well-prepared. I always knew I was going to come in feeling rusty or not great. I was hoping to start better. I really struggled early on. I think Frances connected well. I just really kind of lost my footing sometimes. My eye wasn't working. I was misjudging distance. I think I was also being a bit cautious with my movement. Then, in the second set, I think it all started to come together.”

He continued, “I'm very happy how I'm feeling right now, how I felt coming off the court. “Look, if I enter the tournament, it's because I believe I can play and go deep. I still believe that. I think this will actually give me a lot of confidence.”

Nadal and Federer will both be back on court on Thursday.