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A vintage backhand winner down the line secures Federer’s passage to the third round of the Australian Open and he looks likely yet again to challenge for major honours at Melbourne Park. His serve was on song today, notching up over 20 aces as was his forehand. Dolgopolov toiled hard in the second set but some bad unforced errors in key moments really hurt his chances of being competitive today.
Federer 6 7 6
Dolgopolov 3 5 1
A very entertaining contest awaits in the second round as Roger Federer plays the talented Ukrainian Alexandr Dolgopolov. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 2pm (AEDT).
As expected, Federer strolled past Nikoloz Basilashvili in straight sets in the first round but the Swiss maestro won’t get things his own way against Dolgopolov.
Despite possessing a perfect 2-0 record over the Ukrainian, Federer will be well aware of the danger that unpredictable players like Dolgopolov pose at grand slam level.
While inconsistency continues to hinder Dolgopolov’s potential, the former Australian Open quarter-finalist is an aggressive player who relies on a strong serve and forehand for easy points.
And on the big stage, Dolgopolov will have no choice to play fire with fire against an opponent whose shot-making remains as pure and elegant as ever.
Despite the awesome talent and tennis mind that he still possesses, Federer can be vulnerable to players who possess the potential to match his shot-making prowess and Dolgopolov certainly fits that category.
Indeed Federer was pushed significantly by Grigor Dimitrov at the Brisbane International a few weeks ago before losing in straight sets in the final to big-serving Canadian Milos Raonic.
Throw in Andreas Seppi’s upset win over Federer last year at the Australian Open and there is enough evidence to suggest that Dolgopolov has what it takes to cause trouble this afternoon.
Overall, Dolgopolov is certainly good enough to take a set off Federer today, particularly if he keeps his unforced error count low, but it is difficult to see the Ukrainian progressing past the second round if the Swiss star is on song with his serve and forehand.
Federer in four sets.