TENNIS
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Four-time Australian Open champion Roger Federer showed vintage form as he thumped Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga to move into the quarter-finals.
The giant challenge expected from the powerful Tsonga was more a weak whimper as Federer wound back the clock to win 6-3 7-5 6-4 in Melbourne on Monday night.
Federer broke 10th-seeded Tsonga in the second game of the match and was one set up in less than 30 minutes.
In an almost flawless performance, the Swiss maestro barely dropped a point on his serve in the first set.
He continued that dominance - Tsonga didn’t get a break point on the 17-time major winner under he was trailing 3-4 in the third - and he didn’t convert.
Under the guidance of new coach, Swedish great Stefan Edberg, Federer was more aggressive at the net and reaped the rewards with Tsonga unable to find any rhythm.
Tsonga came into the match seeking revenge for his five-set quarter-final defeat at the hands of Federer last year.
But it was sixth seed Federer who made a statement.
It will be his 11th consecutive Australian Open quarter-final appearance.
He will face world No.4 Andy Murray in the quarter-finals after the Scotsman overcame French journeyman Stephane Robert 6-1 6-2 6-7 (8-6) 6-2.
‘‘I thought I played really well tonight,’’ Federer said.
‘‘Against Jo you have to bring your best game because he dictates play and I thought I did that well.’’ - AAP