Defending champion Roger Federer breezed past Taylor Fritz of the US on his 100th match at the Rod Laver Arena on Friday with a 6-2, 7-5, 6-2 win.
Federer, who hasn't dropped a set this year, pummelled Fritz in the first set within 20 minutes. Fritz, on a bid to enter the last 16 stage of a grand slam for the first time, put up a fight in the second set and held serve to lead 4-3. But Federer nipped any hope the young American had in the bud with some great shots and sealed the second set as well.
The 21-year-old didn't stand much of a chance in the third set as Federer drove home the match in under 88 minutes.
The 20-time grand slam champion, impressed by Fritz's play, said that he played really well. Federer added that if Fritz played at this level, he can play for many more years.
With this win, Federer, who is gunning for a record seventh Australian Open, extended his Open-era record for the most appearances in the fourth round of a grand slam to 63. Apart from Federer, Novak Djokovic and Roy Emerson have won six Australian Open titles each.
The Swiss, who won the last two Australian Open titles, will face Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece in the fourth round.
(With inputs from agencies)
