Melbourne, January 23: World number one Roger Federer declared himself physically fine and mentally fresh after strolling into the fourth round of the Australian Open at the expense of Albert Montanes Saturday.
The 15-time Grand Slam champion brushed aside the 31st-seeded Spaniard, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 and had few concerns in the one hour 48 minutes on Rod Laver Arena.
Such was Federer’s domination that Montanes did not get one break point on the Swiss star’s service.
Federer is expected to face a tougher test in the round of 16 on Monday against either Australian two-time Grand Slam champion Lleyton Hewitt or former finalist and unseeded Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis, who play later Saturday.
The victory improved Federer’s Australian Open record to 50-7, which makes him only second to Swede Stefan Edberg’s 56-10 for most match wins at the Australian Open in the Open Era.
Federer leads Hewitt 16-7 and has won their last 14 encounters, while he leads 2006 finalist Baghdatis 6-0.
–Agencies