Federer Moves Past Struff into Australian Open Third Round

January 18, 2018

Federer Moves Past Struff into Australian Open Third Round – Firing 17 aces and 36 winners, Roger Federer moved into the third round Thursday night on Rod Laver Arena after a competitive three set match against Jan-Lennard Struff. The Swiss maestro was sharp for most of the match, breaking at 2-2 in the first set and 3-3 in the second set, to carry on for a two sets to love lead. His serve faced no trouble until early on in the third set, when Struff took advantage of a few uncharacteristic errors from the 5-time Australian Open champion to break serve. Despite being broken though, the 36-year-old Swiss regrouped quickly, breaking back in the very next game and then raised his level in the ensuing tiebreak to seal the victory, 6-4 6-4 7-6 (4) in 1 hour 55 minutes.

“I’m happy I’m still part of (the tournament) really, because I knew Struff could be tough today,” Federer said.

“If you look at the last two matches that I’ve played, I felt like both of my opponents (he beat Aljaz Bedene in round one) pretty much kind of went for broke. When they see a mini chance to get on the offensive, they just go for it…You don’t want to be in defense too much. The moment you see an opening, you go for it.”

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“I’ve practised with him [Struff], and played against him in doubles and singles,” said Federer, in an on-court interview with former World No. 1 Jim Courier. “You know he can serve 215 or 220 [kilometres per hour] for five hours, so that’s what you have to be ready for. I had to protect my own serve and get the break with a good defence.

“It wasn’t easy. There’s an expectation on the underdog, but it was a good match and I wish him the best for the season.”

Federer will face #29 seed Richard Gasquet in the third round on Saturday.