As I had suggested in my match preview, I was expecting a straight sets win for Federer or at most, Tomic to some how take a set, may be, in one of the tie-breakers. Well, Tomic had his chance in the 2nd set tie-breaker as he at one point was leading 4-1 in the 2nd set tie-breaker, but that was perhaps his best chance to take a set amidst some masterclass display by Roger Federer.
The first set saw Federer breaking Tomic in his very first service game. Tomic had won 76 consecutive service games and was said to be in the best serving form of his career, yet Federer broke him in the opening game of the match. That pretty much set the tone for the match. That was the only break Federer needed he rocketed through the first set in 34 minutes.
As, you will see from the first set stats, thou, Tomic's first serve % was higher than Federer's, but Federer clearly had more winner and was able to put more pressure on Tomic's service consistently. Federer didn't face a single break point on his service in the first set in spite of two double faults.
Picture of Federer without the vest in the first set
In the second set, Federer was able to put consistent pressure on Tomic's service. Tomic had to fight really hard to stay in the second set, saving further break points in his first two service games and then staving off a total of four set points in the 10th and 12th games. It was an amazing effort on the part of Tomic to keep saving break points one after the other in spite of such stiff pressure from Federer. Thou, Federer's service was again flawless and he didn't face a single break point in the entire set.
Tomic's best chance to win a set against the Swiss Maestro was in the second set when he lead 4-1. As Federer said in the post match interview to Jim Courier, he felt that he will lose the 2nd set when Tomic led by 4-1, but as Federer described after Tomic challenged the call & after the change over, Federer had the advantage as he was in the side, which was with the wind and that helped Federer to win four consecutive points to take a stranglehold on the third-round contest.
As, you will see from the second stats, Roger Federer first serve % was 74, which is considered phenomenal, thou, Tomic had more winners, but clearly he had more unforced errors and inspite of having saved six break points wasn't able to put any pressure on Federer's service which has to be said has been on absolute top form.
The second set also saw Federer putting on a vest under-neath his T-shirt as it was a cool evening in Melbourne and that reminded many of Federer's vest that he had worn at Wimbledon 2012.
Here is the picture of Roger Federer putting on the vest in the second set as it was a cold evening in Melbourne
Here is a picture of Federer with the vest under-neath under his T-shirt in the 3rd round match vs Tomic
Many people worriedly asked me after seeing Federer putting on the vest, is Federer fine or is he having some back spasms, the good news is that he is 100% fit and fine
The third set again saw Federer getting break points in the opening service game of Tomic, thou, again Tomic managed to save 3 break points but Federer broke Tomic to gain the advantage 2-0.
Even, Mirka felt very relieved to see Federer breaking Tomic serve on the 14th break point that he got on Tomic's serve. Here is Mirka applauding Roger after he broke to make it 2-0 in the 3rd set.
In the next game, thou, Tomic managed to get a break point on the service of Federer, but that proved to be the only break point for Tomic as Federer held on to his service game. Federer again broke Tomic in the 6th game to make it 5-1 and then comfortably held on to his service to win the third set 6-1.
Federer swept imperiously to a 6-4 7-6 (7-5) 6-1 victory over Tomic in one hour and 58 minutes to record his 250th grand slam match win.
Federer and Tomic shaking hands after the match as Tomic in the post match interview gave Full credit to him (Federer) and said, he is the best player & greatest of all time.
Here is the full match stats for you all ---------
Federer won 24 points more than Tomic and clearly, had lesser number of unforced errors and put a lot of pressure on Tomic's service and of course, as I have said in the past, Federer's service in these 3 rounds of Aus Open, 2013 has been immaculate
Next up will be the Canadian Milos Raonic in the 4th Round and if Federer manages to win that, Roger Federer will seal his place in his consecutive 35th Grand Slam Quarter-final which is a record by itself.
More to follow in the coming posts. Watch out for more pics, highlights, post match presser and of course, the as always on court interview with Jim Courier.
