Third seed Roger Federer has claimed his 16th consecutive win at the Australian Open after fighting his way past British qualifier Dan Evans 7-6(5), 7-6(3), 6-3, in the second round.
Federer, who is gunning for a third consecutive Australian Open title, was the overwhelming favourite heading into Wednesday’s clash. It has been 19 years since he last lost to a player ranked as low as Evans, who is currently 189th in the world. Furthermore, Mario Ancic is the only qualifier to have ever defeated him at a grand slam during the 2002 Wimbledon Championships.
The 37-year-old extended that record against a spirited Evans, who illustrated glimpses of the talent that has previously taken him into the top 50 in the world. In what was a mainly high-quality match, Federer prevailed with the help of nine aces, 28 winners and only 14 unforced errors.
“I couldn’t pull away early in the match, it always helps when you sneak a break in the first set.” Federer said during his on-court interview. “I think he played very well, it was hard to pull away to his credit. I thought I played well.’
“ Maybe in the beginning, it was a bit of the day session, a bit of the breeze.”
A total of 186 places separates the two players in the ATP rankings, but there was little disparity between them during what was a thrilling 60-minute opening set. Federer’s intensity was matched by underdog Evans as neither player refused to buckle behind their serve heading into the tiebreaker. Federer continued to be placed under pressure as he trailed 5-3 in the tiebreak, dropping his serve four times, before battling back to clinch the set. Despite Evans’ brutal hitting of the ball, the defending champion snatch the lead when a 10-shot rally concluded with the British player hitting a backhand wide. Prompting a roar of celebration from the Swiss player.
Rapidly gaining in momentum, Federer began to establish his stronghold in the match. Much to the frustration of his opponent. A 12-point winning streak saw the world No.3 ease to a 3-1 lead at the start of set number two. Nevertheless, there continued to be a easy-going atmosphere between the two with Evans at one point asking Federer if he was ‘happy’ to play whilst a baby was crying. Prompting a humorous exchange between the two.
Good-humoured exchange on RLA. Federer prepares to serve. Baby cries. Evans: "Are you okay?" Fed: "I'm happy if you are." Evans: "I'll be the one running, so …" Fed: "If you're ready, we'll play."
— Simon Briggs (@simonrbriggs) January 16, 2019
Jokes aside, Federer seemed destined to ease to a two-set lead until he faltered whilst leading 6-4, 5-4. A tentative service game enabled Evans to fight back and level after he hit a blistering backhand cross-court winner on break point. Despite the blip, Federer regained his momentum by racing through the second tiebreak, which he clinched with an ace down the centre of the court.
Closing in on his 96th main draw win at the Australian Open, Federer cruised towards the victory as he broke once again midway through the third set. Serving for the match, a love service game elevated him into the last 32 of the tournament.
“It feels like playing a mirror a little bit.” Federer commented about playing Evans. “This was my mindset going into the match – how I would play myself because he has a lot of slice backhands and also on the return that is how I play a lot.”
“I maybe have a little bit more shape and my serve can help me just a touch more. Maybe that was the difference today, I’m not sure.”
Federer will play either Gael Monfils or Taylor Fritz in the third round.
