Once again Federer produces another superb performance to get past Berdych in straight sets. The Swiss Maestro is playing at a very high level with every facet of his game working well. Berdych had broken the Federer serve twice but couldn’t convert his chances and paid the price.
Federer now will await the winner of Djokovic – Nishikori. It should be a classic either way.
Federer 7 6 6
Berdych 6 2 4
Four times Australian Open champion Roger Federer faces a tough quarter-final match-up against former Wimbledon finalist Tomas Berdych. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 2:00pm (AEDT).
Federer has been almost flawless en route to another Australian Open quarter-final but faces a stern test today against Berdych.
Berdych is coming off very good wins against talented Australian Nick Kyrgios and the ultra-competitive Spaniard Roberto Bautista-Agut. As a result, he will fancy his chances of causing the upset against Federer.
Berdych is an extremely solid player who can hit winners from either the forehand and backhand side. His forehand though ranks as the more reliable weapon and it is this shot that will give dictate whether Berdych is able to cause the upset.
And unlike David Goffin in the last round, Federer now faces an opponent with a significantly bigger serve, thus adding to the intrigue of this match-up.
The only concern with Berdych’s form at the moment surrounds his inability to keep the pressure on his opposition when leading a match. This was evident against Kyrgios in the third round when Berdych lost the third set 6-1 after winning the opening two sets.
It is interesting to note that Berdych also led Federer by two sets to love at the 2009 Australian Open, only for the Swiss maestro to come back and record a five set victory in the fourth round.
With this in mind, the key issue for Berdych today will be to see if he can maintain good form if he gets up a set today. At his best, the Czech star is a good bet of causing an upset.
Anything below his best however and Federer will punish Berdych. Federer is a master frontrunner and rarely takes his foot off the pedal as evidenced against David Goffin in the last round.
Even at 34 years of age, Federer with momentum remains the only player who can run away with a match very quickly against most opponents.
Given his present form, Federer starts a comfortable favourite but Berdych should prove to be his toughest foe thus far. In a classic, Federer should win in five tight sets.
Alan
Roar Guru
Once again Federer produces another superb performance to get past Berdych in straight sets. The Swiss Maestro is playing at a very high level with every facet of his game working well. Berdych had broken the Federer serve twice but couldn't convert his chances and paid the price. Federer now will await the winner of Djokovic - Nishikori. He should be a classic either way. Federer 7 6 6 Berdych 6 2 4
Alan
Roar Guru
GAME SET AND MATCH FEDERER Federer 7 6 6 Berdych 6 2 4
Alan
Roar Guru
Berdych with a great passing forehand shot for 40-15 Federer 7 6 5 Berdych 6 2 4
Alan
Roar Guru
Serve and volley and its match points Federer 7 6 5 Berdych 6 2 4
Alan
Roar Guru
Federer ripping the forehand now. 30-0 Federer 7 6 5 Berdych 6 2 4
Alan
Roar Guru
Federer's forehand in-behind Berdych for 15-0 Federer 7 6 5 Berdych 6 2 4
Alan
Roar Guru
I am telling you, if it wasn't for Djokovic, Federer would have reached 20 grand slam titles by now. His last few points were nothing short of superb. Backhand, slices, forehand returns, movement all superb. A semi-final place awaits Federer 7 6 5 Berdych 6 2 4
Alan
Roar Guru
BREAK FEDERER Federer 7 6 5 Berdych 6 2 4
Alan
Roar Guru
Federer raising his level superbly! Backhand crosscourt for the winner. Superb. Break point Federer 7 6 4 Berdych 6 2 4
Alan
Roar Guru
Great return from Federer. Goodness me. Deuce Federer 7 6 4 Berdych 6 2 4
Alan
Roar Guru
Federer's slice is wide and its game point Federer 7 6 4 Berdych 6 2 4
Alan
Roar Guru
Deuce as Berdych sends his forehand long Federer 7 6 4 Berdych 6 2 4
Alan
Roar Guru
Great forehand shots from Berdych and its game point. This is a vital game if he gets away with it. Federer 7 6 4 Berdych 6 2 4
Alan
Roar Guru
Great serve and its deuce. Berdych has saved three break points here.... Federer 7 6 4 Berdych 6 2 4
Alan
Roar Guru
Berdych nips the line barely with the crosscourt forehand! Goodness me. Still a break point for Federer Federer 7 6 4 Berdych 6 2 4
Alan
Roar Guru
30-40 Federer 7 6 4 Berdych 6 2 4
Alan
Roar Guru
Ace and its 15-40 Federer 7 6 4 Berdych 6 2 4
Alan
Roar Guru
Three break points but it feels like match points here Federer 7 6 4 Berdych 6 2 4
Alan
Roar Guru
Federer with another forehand winner and its 0-30. Danger time for Berdych Federer 7 6 4 Berdych 6 2 4
Alan
Roar Guru
Federer with the majestic forehand down the line. 0-15 Federer 7 6 4 Berdych 6 2 4