Federer to play semi-final in Melbourne

Young Myla and Charlene have joined their mother, Mirka, in Federer’s box at matches, their heads buried in books, as their famous dad has expertly navigated his way into the second week of his 36th consecutive Grand Slam – one of his many records.

Serena Williams attacked Maria Sharapova’s strength and it helped extend her complete domination of their rivalry, earning the six-time Australian Open champion a place in the semifinals. But history itself is on the Serb’s side.

Her big-match experience pales in comparison to Williams who has won 21 Grand Slam titles, including six at Melbourne Park, and played in four other finals at the majors.

Federer was the last match on the main show-court in Rod Laver Arena yesterday but because of an earlier lengthy five-set clash between Novak Djokovic and Gilles Simon, he did not begin his fourth round match with Goffin until 10:48pm (Australian time) (1:48pm).

After the win, he said: “That was the goal, to decrease the unforced errors ratio”. I really enjoy being able to come to the net more like back in the day. “I said I would try that”.

Keys dominated the first set with powerful groundstrokes that Zhang had trouble returning, breaking the Chinese player at love in the opening game.

Federer’s game now combines in an excellent manner both Edberg’s influence (the serve-and-volley based game), and the aggressiveness behind the baseline brought by these backhands.

“I was solid. I was determined, focused”. That’s why I was so happy we could win not only all these slams together, but Davis Cup one and a half years ago, whatever it is now.

The secret to his improvement? ‘BRAIN FREEZE’ FOR DJOKO Djokovic dished up 100 unforced errors in his fiveset struggle with Simon.

“I’ve had previously these situations before”. “I think he’s also far away from [Novak] Djokovic as well if he wants to say that”. You need to recognise the moment.

But Federer warned: “The advice I would give him, just that he’s aware of the fact how important the next couple of years are”. It was about getting recovery – physically, mentally – just being able to step out on the court today feeling fresh and having that intensity. “I think that makes me play better”.

Over 90 per cent of the men still standing at the Australian Open must have shared the same thought on Sunday night. Indeed, the world number seven had to fight hard not to relinquish another break, coming from 0-40 down to deny Djokovic in his next service game.

“His achievements, what he has done for the sport-he’s a great champion and someone I have a lot of respect for”, Djokovic said of Federer.

“I was already unbelievably impressed at his sheer power, his talent, his potential, all that”, he said of the time he trained with the Australian ahead of Wimbledon.

“He wished me well for recovery, for the Aussie Open, that we’re going to see each other again here (in Melbourne)”.

The head-to-head between the pair now lies firmly in the balance at 22 wins each but Djokovic has the edge in recent match-ups, winning their last three meetings in grand slams. “We played two Grand Slam finals previous year”.

Play is under way in bright sunshine on the eighth day at Melbourne Park which features the final group of fourth-round matches that will determine singles quarterfinalists.