Roger Federer’s quest for a record 18th Grand Slam title is still very much alive after recording a thrilling 6-7(4), 6-4, 6-1, 4-6, 6-3 win over Kei Nishikori in the fourth round on Sunday. It was a gritty performance from Federer who needed three hours and 23 minutes to produce the marathon victory. With the win, Federer booked a place in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open for the 13th time in his career.
Playing in front of a boisterous crowd at Rod Laver Arena, Federer displayed the aggressiveness that made him one of the best players in the history of the game. He outhit Nishikori in the winners department, 83-42. It also helped matters that Federer’s serve was firing on all cylinders once again. He converted 68 percent (100-of-140) of his first serves against Nishikori with the Swiss maestro winning 80 percent of his first serve points.
Waiting in the next round for Federer is surprise package Mischa Zverev. This will be the third meeting between the two stars in the ATP Tour with Federer holding a 2-0 edge. Federer thrashed Zverev, 6-0, 6-0, in their last meeting at Halle back in 2013. For Federer to extend his dominance against Zverev, he needs to continue his strong net play in the quarterfinals. He won 29 of his 44 net points against Nishikori on Saturday.
Mischa Zverev turned the Australian Open on its head when he upset Andy Murray in the fourth round on Sunday. Zverev needed three hours and 33 minutes to oust the world no. 1 and in the process book his first-ever quarterfinal appearance in a Grand Slam tournament. Zverev, who handed Murray his earliest defeat in Melbourne since 2009, blasted 52 winners and won 66 percent of his first serve points in the fourth round.
What proved to be the difference in the match, though, was Zverev’s return. Zverev won 45 percent of his receiving points against Murray with the German star converting eight of his 17 break point opportunities. It would be interesting to see how Zverev’s serve-and-volley game will fare against the great Roger Federer in the quarterfinals. Zverev picked Murray apart with his relentless attack, winning 65 of his 118 net points on Sunday. He has now won 59 percent (213-of-330) of his net points in this tournament thus far.
