Roger Federer defeated Tommy Robredo 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 and made it into the quarterfinals of the 2011 Australian Open, setting up another record to his collection as he matched Jimmy Connors’ mark of 27 consecutive Grand Slam quarterfinals appearances .
Next for the defending champion will be the winner of the match between Andy Roddick and Stanislas Wawrinka.
Federer didn’t concede a point on his serve in the first set and got a break that was enough for him to claim a 1 to love set lead. In the second, his serve was not at hist best and was broken allowing Robredo to level the match.
The world number 2 regained control in the third set and dominated after getting an early break to lead 2-0. In the 4th, he went up 4-1, treating the centre court crowd to some scintillating tennis wiining the set at 6-2 and the match.
“I was struggling with my return—I couldn’t get the balls into play I wanted to,” Federer said. “I didn’t have the best of games at 4-3 down—we don’t have much margin at the very top and it shows.”
“It’s a lot of hard work. I’m sweating bullets right now,” he said. “I’m excited to be in the next round.”
“I’m in another quarterfinal. Got all the chances to make it to the semis again,” Federer said, “so I’m very pleased.”
Robredo remained realistic about bridging the gap between himself and the the former world number 1.
"...To get closer you have to win two sets. After the way he started the match, he started playing great and making unbelievable shots all the time. I think for me being there and winning the second set is great. Then in the third, I had chances to break him in the beginning. He broke me, and then i had chances to win these games again."
Federer, on the other hand, refused to single out himself and Nadal as the only title threats.
"Well, I think Andy and Novak are playing extremely well, and that's why I'm not really looking very far ahead here. Rafa, myself; Robin is playing well; Roddick seems like he's in form; Stan, same thing; Berdych hasn't dropped a whole lot of sets or games.
"I think really the top seeds here again are showing that they're above the rest a bit at the moment still. Interesting second week, I think. Yeah, I don't think I'll be looking too far ahead here."
Source AO Website/AP/Reuters
Photo Getty Images
