Australian Open | Federer beats Kei Nishikori to enter quarters

Australian Open | Federer beats Kei Nishikori to enter quarters

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Roger Federer moved into the quarter-finals of the Australian Open after a tough 6-7(7), 6-4, 6-1, 4-6, 6-3 win over Japan's Kei Nishikori. Next up for the Swiss former No 1 is Mischa Zverev of Germany, who stunned top-seed Andy Murray 6-7(7), 6-4, 6-1, 4-6, 6-3.

Federer lost the opening set in a tie-breaker after being a double break down. The Swiss world No 17 rallied to take control and win the next two sets before fifth-seeded Nishikori grabbed the next to take the contest the full distance.

With this win, the 35-year-old Federer became the oldest man to enter the quarter-finals of the Australian Open since Aurther Ashe in 1978. 

“Kei's a tough customer. This is a huge win for me in my career,” Federer, winner of 17 grand slams, told a news conference. “Kei will give you some looks, he's not the biggest server on tour but one of the greatest on the baseline.”

Federer leads Zverev 2-0 head-to-head. “I would never have picked it, I like Mischa a lot and he has a nice game coming forward. It will be different,” Federer said.

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