Swiss world No 2 to face Czech Tomas Berdych for place in semi-finals
Thursday 24 May 2018 14:23, UK
Roger Federer was solid once again as he beat Hungary's Marton Fucsovics in straight sets to advance to the quarter-finals of the Australian Open for the 14th time.
The Swiss world No 2, who is on the quest for a 20th Grand Slam title, came through against the former top-ranked junior Fucsovics 6-4 7-6 (7-3) 6-2 on Rod Laver Arena.
Federer, who beat the 25-year-old Fucsovic's coach, Attila Savolt at the 2002 Australian Open, reached his 52nd Grand Slam quarter-final with his 91st victory at Melbourne Park despite the best efforts of 80th-ranked Fucsovics and now faces in-form Czech Tomas Berdych.
"I thought he played very well. Fast conditions, you have to have quick ideas and execute well and I think he did that very well," Federer said.
"I had a hard time breaking through until two sets to love and a break. Credit to him for playing a great tournament, that's what I told him at the net."
Federer, who hasn't lost in four matches against Berdych in Melbourne, won't be taking the big-serving Czech for granted when they meet on Wednesday.
"I did watch a little bit of Tomas's win against Fabio Fognini today and I saw a little bit of him against Juan Martin del Potro," he said. "For me, I think personally it is important to see a little bit just because he might be using different weapons this week.
"He might be taking the ball earlier or later or serving different patterns, so it's good to know.
"Of course, the coaches are going to get more in depth into Tomas's game, and I will absorb the information that I get back from them.
"But sometimes it is good to see for myself a little bit, because I have the feeling of having played him but also see him play. I think that combination is important for a player."
Berdych powered past Fabio Fognini in straight sets to advance to the last eight for the seventh time in his career.
The 19th seed and two-time semi-finalist in Melbourne, beat the Italian with a convincing 6-1 6-4 6-4 display on Margaret Court Arena to set up a 26th encounter with Federer.
"I like your optimism," Berdych smiled when asked on court about the prospect of facing the Swiss ace yet again.
"What to say? How many times is it going to be? So let's see who's going to win. I have no choice to choose the opponent and may the better man win," Berdych said.
"I am going to get myself ready, it's all I can do, and prepare the best I can. So far I think I've done pretty well, I'm feeling good, healthy, so I feel I am on the best baseline I can be."
Federer leads the big-serving Czech 19-6 in matches going back to 2004 at the Athens Olympics.
