Federer brushes Hewitt aside

 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 13:02

Hewitt was no match for the world number one, who produced a masterclass performance to win 6-2 6-3 6-4 under the lights at Rod Laver Arena.

“I am happy to get through because Lleyton is a great competitor,” said Federer, who has now beaten the Australian in each of their previous 15 matches. “He’s a champion, you always go through some tough moments against him.”

Looking forward to his match with Davydenko, who has beaten the Swiss in their previous two meetings, Federer added: “He played very well the last couple of times we’ve played.

“I’ve always had tough ones against him. He’s really picked up his game, he used to have issues on serve but now that’s gone. I just hope I can get the better of him in five-set play.”

Davydenko progressed with a 6-2 7-5 4-6 6-7 (5/7) 6-3 win over ninth seed Fernando Verdasco in a marathon match.

Novak Djokovic also clinched his place in the last eight, defeating world number 86 Lukasz Kubot 6-1 6-2 7-5 in less than two hours.

The 22-year-old is yet to face a seed at Melbourne Park and has dropped just one set, against Marco Chiudinelli in the second round, but will face his first real test in the next round when he takes on 10th seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

Life was tougher for Tsonga, who needed five gruelling sets to beat Nicolas Almagro of Spain 6-3 6-4 4-6 6-7 (6/8) 9-7.

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