Roger Federer stunned Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and even surprised himself with a vintage display at the Australian Open.
The four-time champion at Melbourne Park wound back the clock to book his 11th consecutive quarter-final appearance with a crushing 6-3 7-5 6-4 victory.
He will face world No.4 Andy Murray after the Scotsman overcame French journeyman Stephane Robert 6-1 6-2 6-7 (8-6) 6-2.
Tsonga came into the match seeking revenge for his five-set quarter-final defeat at the hands of Federer last year.
But it was sixth seed Federer who made a statement.
Federer broke 10th-seeded Tsonga in the second game of the match and was one set up in under 30 minutes.
In an almost flawless performance, the Swiss maestro barely dropped a point on his serve in the first set.
He continued that dominance – Tsonga didn’t get a break point on the 17-time major winner under he was trailing 3-4 in the third – and he didn’t convert.
The 32-year-old was “extremely happy” with his performance and said it was almost better than he had hoped for.
“I’m very pleased – I don’t think I got broken today and that was against a great player.
“I was able to play my game, offensive, mix it up, come to the net.
“Yeah, I was surprised that things worked out for me,” Federer said.
He said it was the match he had wanted to play against Tsonga in the quarter-finals of the French Open last year, which the Frenchman won in straight sets.
That was the last quarter-final that Federer made, missing the final eight at Wimbledon and the US Open.
It also equals US great Jimmy Connors’ record of 41 grand slam quarter-finals.
“It’s nice being back in the quarters, because I haven’t been in one, you know, for two now, Wimbledon and the US Open.”
Under the guidance of new coach, Swedish great Stefan Edberg, Federer was more aggressive at the net and reaped the rewards, winning 34 from 41 points.
Tsonga was unable to find any rhythm in his game.
Last year Federer met Murray in the semi-finals at Melbourne Park and lost in five.
“It’s good to see he took care of his draw, and here we are again.
“I’m looking forward to the match, I must say.
“I wonder how it’s going to play out. Last time was a great match so I hope we both can reproduce something similar.”
Tsonga said Federer had played “unbelievable” tennis.
“I was not surprised because, you know, when you play Roger, you expect him at this level,” Tsonga said.
“You know he’s able to play like this, so you always expect it.”
He said he just couldn’t find a way to stop Federer’s momentum.
“I was not enough good, you know, to give him a good opposition, and that’s it.”
Whether it’s aces or races, try out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp for great odds and a great punting experience. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
Former Wimbledon champion, double grand slam winner and Australian Open finalist Garbine Muguruza has announced her retirement from tennis at the age of 30.…
Rafael Nadal has hailed the brilliance of Alex de Minaur, calling him "a great player" after the Australian forced the Spanish legend to say…
The clay season promises to be one of high level and tight margins. With the Monte Carlo open just around the corner, it will…
In incredible scenes, defending champion Carlos Alcaraz's quarter-final clash with Alexander Zverev at Indian Wells was halted abruptly due to a "bee invasion." Less…
Marathon man Jordan Thompson has finally clinched his first ATP Tour title, with the Australian upsetting Norwegian Casper Ruud to lift the trophy in…
Alex de Minaur has earned the perfect 25th birthday present, booking a place in the final of the Rotterdam Open with an emphatic revenge…
