Federer sees off Tomic

Roger Federer's bid for a fifth Australian Open title remains on course after he inflicted a third-round defeat on home hope Bernard Tomic in straight sets

The 20-year-old Australian had believed he was playing the world number two at "a good time" before the match but his optimism was misplaced, Federer coming through 6-5 7-6 (7-5) 6-1.


"I think overall we played a great match, he really got the best out of me tonight."
Roger Federer

Tomic, supported by a vociferous home crowd, played some impressive shots and was 4-1 ahead in the second set tie-break. However, Federer was just too good and wrapped up the victory in 118 minutes.

"It's nice that you guys invite me back every year," said the Swiss, who is 5.50 to win the tournament. "It's not my favourite part of the job beating up on the home heroes.

"I had a few more chances than he did, but I thought the tie-breaker was going to go his way.

"I think overall we played a great match, he really got the best out of me tonight."

Tomic added: "Eighty or 90 per cent of players that play the top guys, like with Roger, you lose your belief. I got in there, I started to think after they mentioned all these Grand Slams leading up - Wimbledon champion six times, six times US Open champion.

"I tried to block out who's on the other side of the net but couldn't quite do it after that announcement."

Federer will take on the 13th seed Milos Raonic in the fourth round. He is 1.083 to win the match, while the Canadian can be backed at 8.00.

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