MELBOURNE: Roger Federer sized up his first big test at the Australian Open Wednesday after he fought off spirited qualifier Noah Rubin to set up a third-round clash with old rival Tomas Berdych.
The 17-time Grand Slam master, back after an injury-hit 2016, vanquished the 200th-ranked American, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 (7/3) to go into his 23rd career encounter with Berdych, the big-serving Czech.
It was Federer’s second win against a qualifier at this year’s Open after he defeated experienced Austrian Jurgen Melzer in four sets on Monday.
Federer, 35, said he likes the way things are coming together at the year’s first major tournament, but he knows he will have to lift his game against the 10th-ranked Berdych.
“It’s super-early in the draw. The court plays fast, he’s caused difficulties for me in the past on faster courts,” Federer said of Berdych.—APP
