MELBOURNE, January 22, 2018

Roger Federer edged past Marton Fucsovics 6-4, 7-6, 6-2 on Rod Laver Arena on Monday afternoon. In 2002, Federer defeated Fucsovics’ coach, Atilla Savolt, in the second round here. Sixteen years and 19 Grand Slam titles later he becomes the oldest man to reach the quarterfinals at the Australian Open since Ken Rosewall in December 1977.

The 36-year-old from Switzerland didn’t face a break point, converting three of his own to secure victory in two hours and one minute.

Next up for Federer will be Tomas Berdych. The 32-year-old from the Czech Republic defeated Fabio Fognini of Italy 6-1, 6-4, 6-4  in two hours and eight minutes.

Thiem And Djokovic Fall

Later in the evening No. 5 seed Dominic Thiem fell to Tennys Sandgren 6-2, 4-6, 7-6(4), 6-7(7), 6-3, the lowest-ranked man left in the main draw. Sandgren becomes just the second man in the last 20 years to reach the quarterfinals on his Australian Open debut. The World No. 97 prevailed after three hours and 54 minutes.

“I’m starting to disbelieve what is happening now,” said Sandgren, who also beat 2014 champion and No. 8-ranked Stan Wawrinka in the second round, in an on-court interview. “But maybe it’s not a dream? He played some really, really great tennis, especially in the fourth set tie-break. Goodness gracious! I knew I had to take my chances and he, from behind the court, would outlast me. I had to stay aggressive and serve well.”

Sandgren will next play #NextGenATP champion Hyeon Chung, who knocked out six-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic 7-6(4), 7-5, 7-6(3) in three hours and 21 minutes.