Roger Federer is one win away from another trip to the Australian Open semifinals. Standing in his way on Tuesday is familiar foe Tomas Berdych, who has already faced the Swiss six times in Grand Slam competition.
Roger Federer and Tomas Berdych will be squaring off for the 22nd time in their careers when they clash in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open on Tuesday. Federer is leading the head-to-head series 15-6, including 4-2 in Grand Slams. Somewhat surprisingly, they have not faced each other in a major since the 2012 U.S. Open, where Berdych prevailed 7-6(1), 6-4, 3-6, 6-3. Both of their previous Melbourne showdowns have gone Federer’s way; 6-4, 7-6(7), 6-3 in 2008 and 4-6, 6-7(4), 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 in 2009.
“I have to play well,” the 34-year-old Swiss assured after destroying David Goffin during fourth-round action on Sunday. “I think the court suits him. I think this sort of flatter bounce and faster court is good for his serves, good for his returns. It’s a fast court. It’s going to be a good match. We’re both going to play aggressive; this court pays off when you do play good and aggressive tennis.”
Federer preceded his victory over Goffin by taking out Nikoloz Basilashvili, Alexandr Dolgopolov, and Grigor Dimitrov. Only Dimitrov has stolen a set, and Federer quickly bounced back from that blemish to crush the Bulgarian 6-1, 6-4 in sets three and four.
Berdych bulldozed through the first eight sets of his fortnight in similar fashion, cruising past Yuki Bhambri and Mirza Basic before storming to a big lead against Nick Kyrgios. The Aussie eventually took that contest to four sets but never seriously threatened his favored opponent. But a real test is exactly what Berdych got in the last 16, as he had to go the distance to scrape past a red-hot Roberto Bautista Agut 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 1-6, 6-3.
“It’s always difficult to say something else or something new,” the sixth-ranked Czech said when asked about going up against Federer. “I mean, it’s Roger.”
And it may be a loss for Berdych. Federer fell to Andreas Seppi in the third round last year, but that was an obvious aberration to the rule–and it was long before the 17-time slam champion raised his level in a major way the rest of the season. Prior to that setback, Federer had reached at least the semifinals of the Australian Open 11 straight times.
Pick: Federer in 4
[polldaddy poll=9284257]
who ya got?
Fed in four
Fed in 3 or Berdych in 5
Berdych in 4.
Berdych in 4.
Fed in 4
Fed in 4
Fed in 3 losing 13 or less.
Fed in 3
Bold!
no
Considering the last few matches of Fed against Berd he should win in 3. If he starts well then no problem. Don’t want a repeat of US Open 2012
yes
I picked fed to win in the bracket challenge. I still think that he will do it. But I think that Berdy will get a set off him.
Fed in 4.
the legend finally chimes in!
fed ought to win this fairly easily. that loss at uso 2012 he was very tired and lethargic. he’s had easy matches and is going in fresh…
Fed in 3 losing 13-15 games
Fed’s forehand looks very good right now. Seven winners off that side. Barely any for Berdych yet surprisingly. I heard Roger got an early break against then got it back. ALLEZ Roger!!!!
Yes he did, but then he had another chance to break Berdy in a long game. Berdy held serve and I thought that was important.
Berd saves SP
Berdy playing aggressive to hold and make it 5-all.
Berdy is hitting his forehand well.
Berdy has 9 winners to 13 UE’s.
Fed has 11 of each.
Berdy is truly being Birdbrain :-)..He has open court on rogers left to hit the volley and he hits it back to Roger.
Both playing just okay..lot of errors leaking ..though both serving great.
I don’t agree. I think it’s been pretty even so far. UE’s are almost the same last time I checked. Around 12 or 13 each.
Agree with you Sanju. Tomas is really birdbrain there.
Berdy didnt serve well, just 49% frst serve, still the set was so close, certainly not of high quality.
I think Berdy is holding his own so far.
It’s a TB.
So far in the TB Fed has really stepped up.
PMac just said it was high quality.
Fed leading 4-2