MELBOURNE, January 18, 2017
Roger Federer has booked his place in the third round of the Australian Open with a 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 win over US-American youngster Noah Rubin.
“He’s a great fighter … he’s aggressive on the ball and I think he had the upper hand on the baseline,” Federer said after the match. “I think my serving kept me in the match today … I’m happy I got through somehow.
“I wasn’t feeling as good (late) as in the beginning. I definitely got a little lucky in that third set … so it was good to fight through.”
Next up for Federer will be the tournament’s number 10 Tomas Berdych, who defeated US-American Ryan Harrison 6-3, 7-6, 6-2.
“I know I’ve got to lift my game a little bit. But then again, I haven’t seen Tomas play a lot, to be honest. I didn’t see anything, basically. Let’s put it that way. He was playing at the same time now. I thought he was going to have a tougher time against Ryan, to be honest, because Ryan has been playing well recently again.”
Federer is leading 16-6 in head-to-head records.
“He’s caused difficulties for me in the past on faster courts: Cincinnati, New York, Wimbledon, Olympics in Athens. I know what he’s got. I don’t need to tell you where he’s beaten me.”
Wawrinka Beats Johnson
Stan Wawrinka eased past US-American Steve Johnson, winning 6-3, 6-4, 6-4. The fourth seed fired 11 aces, won 87 per cent of his first service points and hit 46 winners to secure victory in one hour and 51 minutes. Wawrinka will next face Viktor Troicki from Serbia.
“I’m not relieved but happy with the match of today, happy with my level, my focus. I was moving well, feeling good. Was a little bit windy, but my level is there. I’m happy to get through in three sets,” Wawrinka told.
“I was focused, trying to play a good match. I was expecting a tough match. He’s a great, player, tough player.”
