Written by Jess Plopinio
Top-seeded Roger Federer cruised past 25th seed Russian Mikhail Youzhny 6-3 6-3 7-6 in their third round clash at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne,Australia.
With both players having the same number of aces at 7 a piece and double fault at one each, Federer made the difference with 40 winners compared with Youzhny’s 25.
In the first two sets, Federer lived up to his billing as the top seed by finishing off the first two sets,6-3,6-3, and never faced a challenge. But in the third set, that lasted for almost an hour, Federer let slip his 3-0 lead but went on to win the set, and the match whe he won the tiebreak, 7-5.
“He came up with some really good shots and is starting to put it together on the match courts,” said Federer who stressed further that he was expecting a tough match against Youzhny.
Next opponent will be Novak Djokovic from Serbia and Montenegro. An up-and-coming tennis player, Djokovic insists he can beat Federer. “I have nine wins in a row now, I will do everything to win. I’m going to be motivated, that’s for sure.”
“That’s easy to say. Just get out there and then hit the shots. Of course, you know, I’m the big favorite. This is maybe his big moment where he can maybe make a name for himself no doubt. But he already missed that opportunity twice. Usually when I beat a guy twice, I know how to play him. I hope I can take advantage of that,” Federer said when asked about his next opponent, Djokovic.
