Andy Roddick was the big-name casualty at the Australian Open as Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic secured their quarter-final places in Melbourne.
Federer, the defending champion, was given a scare by Tommy Robredo before stumbling through 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 in a match where the former world No 1 produced 40 unforced errors.
Djokovic, the third seed, had an easier day as he crushed Spain’s Nicolas Almargo 6-3, 6-4, 6-0.
Djokovic will play Tomas Berdych, who beat Fernando Verdasco 6-4, 6-2, 6-3.
Federer now faces an all-Swiss quarter-final against compatriot Stanislas Wawrinka, Roddick’s nemesis.
Wawrinka, 25, comfortably defeated the American 3-6, 4-6, 4-6.
“I played an unbelievable match, I was ready for a big fight and I’m very happy with how I played tonight,” said Wawrinka, who has known Federer since the pair were schoolboys in Switzerland.
“I wanted to play aggressively, especially on my serve, and it worked. I am excited about playing Roger.
“There was a great atmosphere in here tonight and I hope it will be the same for the quarter-final.”
In seven matches, Wawrinka has only beaten Federer once. He said: “We know each other pretty well, so we’ll see how it goes.”
But the Fed Express was hardly rattling along against Robredo, the world No 52 who reached the quarter-finals in Melbourne four years ago.
"I was able to get off to a good start but it was always going to be tough," said Federer, who secured his 27th consecutive last-eight spot in a grand slam to equal Jimmy Connors' record.
“Robredo makes you work. He moves well and it was extremely hard. I’m sweating bullets and happy the match is over and really excited to be in the next round.”
The last time the 29-year-old, eyeing a fifth title in Melbourne, failed to reach the quarter-finals in a grand slam was at the 2004 French Open.
But Federer admitted he struggled with his return and lacked rhythm as he edged a nervy third set.
With several returns flying off his racket frame, Federer stayed calm in sweltering conditions to wrap up his 10th win in 10 matches against his opponent as a weary Robredo was finally overcome.
In complete contrast, it was a devastating performance by Djokovic, who has now reached the last eight at 13 of his last 15 grand slam events.
With the 2008 champion losing at the quarter-final stage in the last two years at Melbourne Park, the Serb looked in determined mood. He broke as early as the fourth game against Almagro to take the opening set in 31 minutes.
Djokovic, who reached the quarter-finals in all four grand slams last year, said: “That was a higher standard than my previous matches and it’s a big positive.
“I have the game to win a grand slam, I just have to believe in myself and be mentally strong.”
Story%20behind%20the%20UAE%20flag
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Civil%20War
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The Perfect Couple
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Jack Reynor
Creator: Jenna Lamia
Rating: 3/5
Greatest of All Time
Starring: Vijay, Sneha, Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, Mohan
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The specs
Engine: 2.7-litre 4-cylinder Turbomax
Power: 310hp
Torque: 583Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh192,500
On sale: Now
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
Company%20profile
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ARABIAN GULF LEAGUE FIXTURES
Thursday, September 21
Al Dahfra v Sharjah (kick-off 5.35pm)
Al Wasl v Emirates (8.30pm)
Friday, September 22
Dibba v Al Jazira (5.25pm)
Al Nasr v Al Wahda (8.30pm)
Saturday, September 23
Hatta v Al Ain (5.25pm)
Ajman v Shabab Al Ahli (8.30pm)
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Our legal columnist
Name: Yousef Al Bahar
Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994
Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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The Matrix Resurrections
Director: Lana Wachowski
Stars: Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, Jessica Henwick
Rating:****
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