Australian Open: Roger Federer thanks to victory in the round of 16 anniversary
The Grand Slam record winner was 6: 2, 7: 5, 6: 2 in 1:28 hours against the 16 year younger Taylor Fritz (USA) and has been a major for the 63rd time since 2000 in the round of 16 Events.
And Federer has Alexander Zverev on the bill when it comes to the hottest contenders for 2019 Grand Slam titles.
by Ulrike Weinrich from Melbourne
last edit: Jan 18, 2019, 05:24 am
One of Federer's twin sons suddenly had no desire to watch the famous papa make bread. Inconceivable for the common tennis fan.
Four-year-old Lenny Federer preferred to deal with Ivan Ljubicic because of the superiority of the daddy and patted his father's cheek in the pits. Until Mother Mirka stopped the hustle and bustle.
Roger Federer didn't notice anything of his son's gimmicks. "I didn't know he was coming," said the Swiss about Lenny, his "special guest" as he later called him.
And Lenny could have been amazed if he had also watched. On the way to the desired seventh Melbourne title, Federer Senior performed his compulsory task against Fritz (21), the world ranking 50, with great ease. from California, who is already the dad of a nearly two-year-old son.
And it was a special victory in a special place. For the 100th time, Federer (37) played in the Rod Laver Arena on Friday afternoon. Anything other than a success of the "Maestro" for the anniversary would have been a more than fist surprise. Incidentally, the roof of the stadium was closed because it kept dripping.
With an ace through the middle, Federer set third in the "Happy Slam" after only 20 minutes. The decisive break in the second round came at the right time - 6: 5. And in run three, after two early losses from Fritz's serve, everything was quickly clear.
In the round of 16 there will be a duel with Stefanos Tsitsipas on Sunday. The young Greek with the curly blond hair, placed 14th in Melbourne, beat Georgians Nikoloz Basilashvili (No. 19) in the third round with 6: 3, 3: 6, 7: 6 (9: 7), 6: 4 .
And Federer is looking forward to the duel: "The young generation is developing well. They knock on the door on the big stage, too. But of course they still need time," he said, campaigning for patience for the "NextGen".
And Federer also has Alexander Zverev on the bill when it comes to the most promising contenders for the 2019 major titles. "I think it is legitimate to say that Sascha can go far with the slams this year. Maybe even here. We'll see ..." said the Swiss.
For Federer, the "night owl", it was the second start in the "day session" in a row. However: The temperatures in Melbourne are currently relatively tolerable.