We’re now in the quarterfinal round of the Australian Open, and both Roger Federer and Tomas Berdych are set to face off against each other for what should be another exciting affair.
Will we see Federer advance to the semifinal round of the tournament for the 12th time over the past 13 years, or will Berdych finally outclass the Swiss master Down Under? Let’s take a better look as sizzling matchup below.
Even at the ripe old age of 34, Roger Federer still cannot be stopped. On Sunday, the Swiss sensation made very quick work of his Australian Open fourth round opponent with a straight-sets victory over David Goffin, 6-2, 6-1, 6-4.
[sc:AUS15-250 ]Federer needed just 88 minutes to oust the Belgian from the tournament – the fastest non-retirement match so far in the men’s draw of this year’s installment of the Aussie Open. He will now enter his ATP-best 12th quarterfinal appearance at the event from Down Under, and also notched his unprecedented 47th-career Grand Slam quarterfinal entry.
The World No. 2’s victory on Sunday was powered by a powerful serve, as Federer converted 86 percent of his first-serve points and knocked in seven aces. He also had 39 winners to Goffin’s 17, and only committed one double fault the entire match.
The Future Hall-of-Famer is now set to face Tomas Berdych, who only has six career wins over him in 21 career matchups. Federer even prevailed with the victory in all four of their past meetings, and is also a perfect 2-0 against the crafty Czech at the Australian Open.
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Betting on Tomas Berdych
Unlike Federer, Tomas Berdych had a much tougher time dispatching 24th-seed Roberto Bautista Agut on Monday. The World No. 6 needed three hours, 18 minutes and the whole five sets to come away with the 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 1-6, 6-3 victory over the Spaniard.
The Czech was clearly bothered during their match by an unlikely source, as several tiny, low-flying birds landed and lingered on the battlegrounds of Magaret Court Arena in the midst of Berdych and Bautista Agut’s contest. While the Aussie press had dubbed this freak occurrence as “Berd-gate”, Berdych did not benefit or have any involvement in what had really transpired.
In fact, the 30-year-old righty seemed flustered by the “fowl” distractions, having committed 57 unforced errors and converting just four of his 22 break point opportunities in the match. Still, Berdych managed to compose himself from the rather comical happening, having put in thrice as many aces (18) than Bautista Agut to ultimately secure the win.
Although Federer has gotten the best of Berdych more often than not, it’s worth noting that five of Berdych’s six career wins over the Swiss came on the hard court. Not only that, but Berdych has also won their past two Grand Slam tournament encounters – both in the quarterfinal round, nonetheless (2012 US Open and Wimbledon 2010).
Writer’s Prediction
Make that another straight-sets victory for Federer, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4.
