By Chris Oddo | Thursday January 18, 2018
It was business as usual for Roger Federer at the Australian Open. The Swiss powered past Jan-Lennard Struff, 6-4, 6-4, 7-6(4) on Thursday to book his spot in the third round.
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Federer did not face a break point until the third set but the German broke for 3-1 in set three to put a scare into the Swiss. But Federer answered back immediately with a break of his own, then saved a break point to level at 3-all.
Struff played aggressive throughout the match, and was able to keep Federer on the back foot at times, but Federer still managed to win the bulk of the short rallies and do more damage against his opponent’s second serve.
“I’ve practiced with him, played doubles against him and singles too,” Federer said on court after the match. “You know he can serve 215, 220 (KPH) no problem for five hours, I guess. So that’s what you are ready for.”
Federer finished with 36 winners to 35 for Struff, and 17 aces to 7 for Struff. The Swiss broke three times on 11 opportunities to improve to 89-13 lifetime at Melbourne Park. The 36-year-old has reached the third round in each of his 19 appearances at the Australian Open.
He will face Richard Gasquet in the third round. Federer owns a 16-2 lifetime record against the Frenchman.