Federer is now a happy guy. He is always very very worried when he has to play the Croat Giant. You can also see it from the fact that the Swiss produces the loudest ‘Come On!’ against him.
The first set was a bit of a thriller. There was no break point (no surprise) and Karlovic had a set point on his serve in the Tie Break. Roger managed to neutralize it during a quirky rally to go and get the opener.
The second set was more ‘relaxed’ for the world nr.3. Karlovic solid serve game started to crumble when he was 5-6 down to give to the Swiss the second set.
The third set was not an issue for Federer having obtained an early break to lead 3-1: game over (7-6 7-5 6-3)
Rafael Nadal had a good win with Lacko that will get in the top 100 after the Australian Open. The Spaniard looks in fine form and used to the new heavier racket. Even if the score was 6-2 6-4 6-2, there was a battle.
‘That’s my feeling – was a tough one.I played solid all the match, so that’s why the result.If you are playing well, things can be a little less difficult.I did well, I played three matches at a very good level.’ Nadal Said
‘Being in the fourth round without losing a set, it’s fantastic news,’
Nadal will play vs Isner or Feliciano Lopez (he would prefer to play the last one) while Federer is waiting for the winner of a very interesting match: Dolgolopov and Tomic.
