Sports in brief: Mismatch at Flushing Meadows

So you’re ranked 1,370th – tied for 1,370th, actually – and you’re 18 years old, and you’re making your Grand Slam debut at the U.S. Open against Roger Federer. Yes, THAT Roger Federer, the guy ranked No. 1, owner of a record 15 major titles and considered by many the greatest player in tennis history. If you’re Devin Britton of Jackson, Miss., the youngest NCAA singles champion ever, you treat the whole thing as if you’re stepping into a real-life version of a video game and decide to check out what this Federer guy can do. “His forehand is just crazy. I tried to keep (the ball) away,” Britton said with a mischievous smile, “but sometimes I just hit it there just to see it.” Britton enjoyed the view, if not the final result. The kid even got to relish a few fleeting moments when he was up a service break in each of the last two sets. Predictably, Federer gathered himself to win 6-1, 6-3, 7-5 on Monday, beginning his bid to become the first man since the 1920s to win the American Grand Slam tournament six years in a row. “I mean, he obviously looks unbelievable on TV, but playing against it was even more tough,” Britton said. “It was so scary. I was pretty scared.” More U.S. Open coverage, B2

NFL: There’s a time to tweet

Tweet away, boys. Just save it for before and after the games. The NFL said Monday it will allow players to use social media networks, but not during games. Players, coaches and football operations personnel can use Twitter, Facebook and other social media up to 90 minutes before kickoff, and after the game following traditional media interviews. During games, no updates will be permitted by the individual himself or anyone representing him on his personal Twitter, Facebook or any other social media account, the league said. Associated Press