Australian Open: Federer sets up Berdych blockbuster

It was Federer's second win against a qualifier at this year's Open after he defeated experienced Austrian Jurgen Melzer in four sets on Monday.

Published : Jan 18, 2017 13:17 IST

Roger Federer en route to a straight-set win over Noah Rubin.
Roger Federer en route to a straight-set win over Noah Rubin.
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Roger Federer en route to a straight-set win over Noah Rubin.

Andy Murray progresses

Top seed Andy Murray battled an ankle injury as he advanced to the third round of the Australian Open on Wednesday.

The > British world number one beat Russian qualifier Andrey Rublev 6-3, 6-0, 6-2 and will next play American Sam Querrey.

Good Evans! Rising Brit stuns Cilic

Britain's Dan Evans claimed the highest-ranked scalp of his career when he stunned world number seven Marin Cilic at the Australian Open on Wednesday.

Evans, 26, came from behind to beat the Croatian former US Open champion 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 6-3 and reach the third round, equalling his best Grand Slam performance.

It was only Evans' second win against top-10 opposition, after he defeated eighth-ranked Dominic Thiem this month in Sydney en route to his first tour-level final.

Evans, whose first-round victory over Facundo Bagnis was his maiden win at the Australian Open, will next play either Australia's Bernard Tomic or Victor Estrella Burgos.

His win, one of the biggest upsets so far at the Australian Open, extends a strong showing by British players after five reached the second round, the best performance in 30 years.

Evans, ranked 51, only broke into the top 100 last year but he reached the third round at both Wimbledon and the US Open in what became a watershed season.

Federer sets up Berdych blockbuster

Roger Federer set up a third-round blockbuster against Tomas Berdych with a straight-sets win over Noah Rubin at the Australian Open.

Read : >'I've got to lift my game' - Federer

The Swiss great again showed signs of rustiness in periods before claiming a 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 (7-3) victory on Wednesday. Federer, pushed to four sets by Jurgen Melzer in his opener, fell behind in the third set against American Rubin, a 20-year-old qualifier.

> TOURNAMENT TRACKER

But the 17-time Grand Slam champion recovered to win in two hours, four minutes on Rod Laver Arena, setting up a clash against Czech 10th seed Berdych.

Read: > Seppi defeats home hope Kyrgios

Federer holds a 16-6 win-loss record against Berdych, including a straight-sets victory at last year's Australian Open. Although under pressure for most of the first set, Rubin managed to hang tough, saving four break points in the sixth game.

Men's round-up: >Smooth sailing for Nishikori, Wawrinka

But he would drop serve for the first time at the worst moment, Federer breaking to 15 in the 12th game. Federer attacked the net with great success in the second, winning 10 of 11 points when approaching, with his break in the sixth game decisive.

However, a sloppy start to the third set – where his backhand caused most of his problems – saw Federer fall 3-0 behind.

Women's round-up: >Venus, Genie through to third round

Federer saved two set points in the eighth game before breaking back in the ninth when Rubin netted a backhand. His experience proved crucial in the tie-break as he closed out a straight-sets win.

India wrap: >Mirza, Bopanna register wins

"I have played out here many, many times, that's my advantage maybe," Federer said of his first meeting with the 20-year-old American, a Wimbledon junior champion three years ago.

"I did see a bit of Noah going into this match. He's been around for a couple of years now. It's great to get to see a few matches now. Yeah, he plays well. Great fighter. Great legs. Aggressive on the ball.

"My serving kept me in the match today and happy I got through somehow."

STATISTICAL BREAKDOWN  

Federer [17] bt Rubin 7-5 6-3 7-6 (7-3)

WINNERS/UNFORCED ERRORS  
Federer – 48/41
Rubin – 19/27

ACES
Federer – 17
Rubin – 2

BREAK POINTS WON
Federer – 3/8
Rubin – 1/6

FIRST SERVE PERCENTAGE
Federer – 60
Rubin – 56

PERCENTAGE OF POINTS WON ON FIRST/SECOND SERVE
Federer – 82/56
Rubin – 63/62

TOTAL POINTS
Federer – 118
Rubin – 96

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