Federer swats aside Goffin en route to QFs

Published by AAP

Roger Federer swats aside David Goffin
Roger Federer was quick to brush aside Belgian Davis Cup finalist David Goffin in the Australian Open 4R

Roger Federer was in no mood to stick around at Melbourne Park into the wee small hours of Monday morning, which spelled very bad news for Belgian opponent David Goffin.

Due to the previous two matches on Rod Laver Arena going the distance and then some, the Australian Open fourth-round clash between the 17-time major winner and the 15th-seeded Goffin didn’t get started until 2248 (AEDT) on Sunday.

Just one hour and 28 minutes later it was all over, with Federer winning 6-2 6-1 6-4 to set up a quarter-final clash with No.6 seed Tomas Berdych.

It continued the run of success enjoyed by the leading men’s seeds in the opening week at Melbourne Park, with No.5 Rafael Nadal from Spain the only big-name casualty to date – having been beaten in the opening round by countryman Fernando Verdasco.

Federer took a 3-0 career win-loss record into the fourth-round clash against Goffin, although the Belgian had managed to take a set off the peerless Swiss in their only previous meeting at grand slam level four years ago at the French Open.

Not this time.

Federer broke Goffin’s serve twice in the first set, three times in the second and claimed another two breaks early in the third.

The Belgian did compose himself well enough to grab one of the breaks back in a more competitive third set – but it was far too little, far too late.

“I’m surprised it went as fast as it did,” said Federer.

“To win the first two sets within 50 minutes is the best thing that could happen out there – especially with the late start and against a quality player.

“So I was very happy.

“It was important to keep the momentum going, keep staying aggressive and trying to get the match done in three sets.”

Rod Laver – a winner of two calendar grand slams – caught up with Federer before the match and then watched on in the stadium that bears his name as the Swiss superstar demolished Goffin.

“It’s just a pleasure seeing legends around to be quite honest and the Rocket is someone who is very special in the game of tennis, to me anyways,” said Federer.

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