Looking at the match before it was ever played, one figured Jackson native Devin Britton was playing for the opportunity to gain experience.

I mean, Britton had career earnings of about $10,000.

His opponent?

$50 million

Roger Federer extended his U.S. Open winning streak to 35 matches with a 6-1, 6-3, 7-5 victory over NCAA champion Britton in the first round.

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

Britton was an 18-year-old wild-card entry and former Ole Miss standout who was playing in his second career tour-level match – and first at a major championship. He actually hit more winners than Federer, 32-31. But Britton also made more than twice as many unforced errors, 40-18.

Chalk one up for experience.

Britton will have his day. That, I feel sure of.