Vintage Roger Federer eases past Tomas Berdych with sublime display
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ByEurosport
Updated 20/01/2017 at 17:12 GMT
Roger Federer produced a vintage performance as he made the fourth round of the Australian Open courtesy of a comfortable win over Tomas Berdych.
Switzerland's Roger Federer celebrates after victory against Czech Republic's Tomas Berdych during their men's singles third round match on day five of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 20, 2017
Image credit: AFP
Such was the Swiss’ dominance, he did not offer up a single break opportunity during a superlative showing, and eased to a 6-2 6-4 6-4 win in one hour and 30 minutes.
Federer, returning to the game after an injury-enforced six-month absence, showed no signs of rustiness as he dominated his big-hitting opponent from start to finish.
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Federer dazzles with sublime drop shot
The Swiss great, 35, hit 40 winners during a remarkable performance that underlined his credentials as a genuine contender to claim the first Slam of the year.
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Federer shows class with delightful volley
Federer, seeded 17th, faces Kei Nishikori next, with a potential quarter-final against world number one Andy Murray on the cards for the winner.
“I always felt against better ranked players, you lift your game,” Federer said on court after the match.
“I didn’t expect it to go quite this hard. I had no expectations. In practice things were going well, but I’ve never been the practice king.”
"I did surprise myself," Federer added.
"I'm happy to do as well as I did, even though I struggled in the early rounds today was different.
"I served great, the court was fast, it's been unbelievable."
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Federer hammers Berdych to reach fourth round
Now ranked 17th in the world, his performance on Rod Laver Arena will certainly encourage those eager to see the veteran add one more title to his record 17 major triumphs.
Nishikori, however, who knocked Andy Murray out of the US Open in September, will be a step up again, particularly if Federer is still lacking full fitness.
The Japanese is renowned as one of the sharpest, quickest and most enduring athletes in the game.
"I guess I'm ready now," Federer said. "There's no turning back.
"I like Kei, I'm a fan of his game. He's a nice kid and has had a great few seasons now. I remember playing him in Japan when he was 17 - he's just a good guy, I'm happy to play against him.
"His backhand is maybe the best in the business right now so I've got my work cut out but hopefully I can play a good match."
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