Roger Federer, who has won the Australian Open four times, is keen to win it a fifth time as he prepares to face Alexandr Dolgopolov at Centre Court in the second round of the year's first Grand Slam on Wednesday.
The Swiss ace played some quality tennis in the first round, defeating Nikoloz Basilashvili in straight sets with the score reading 6-2, 6-1 and 6-2, which has helped him gain confidence. Federer looked in great touch throughout the game and looks in great shape for the remainder of the Australian Open as well.
Federer's second-round opponent, Dolgopolov, who has never gone beyond the second round of the Australian Open, is expected to pose a challenge to Fedex. Federer, Dolgopolov knows, having practised with him during the off-season, expects a big challenge on Wednesday.
"I think it's going to be very tough, to be honest. I've practised with Dolgopolov in the off-season in Dubai. Had some great practice sessions together there, this year and last year. I know him very well," Australian Open official website quoted Federer as saying.
The Swiss ace found it easy against Basilashvili in the first round, but Federer knows the stark contrast in his first and second-round opponents.
"This is going to be a different challenge than the first round. This was more of an unexperienced player today, but still dangerous and still a good player," said Federer. "But Dolgopolov is a different player, a different level. He's been there before. He's got the fitness, the power, the speed, tennis IQ, all that. It's going to be a big challenge.
"Yeah, I'm ready for a very tough match, to be quite honest."
Dolgopolov, who has set up a clash with Federer, played some solid tennis as he brushed aside RiÄardas Berankis in a four-set affair in the first round of the competition. Dolgopolov knows he has to be on top of his game on Wednesday to snatch even a single set from Federer.
Fedex should win his match comfortably if he plays his normal game. However, with the exit of Rafael Nadal in the first round, Federer knows he cannot take any player lightly in the Australian Open.
Where to watch live
Australian Open 2016 second round match - Roger Federer vs Alexandr Dolgopolov -- is the third match at the Rod Laver Arena on Day 3. The first match is scheduled for 11 am local time (5:30 am IST, 12 am GMT, 7 pm ET).
The live coverage of the Australian Open second round match will be on Sony ESPN and Sony ESPN HD in India, with the online live streaming option on Sonyliv.
Roger Federer vs Alexandr Dolgopolov match can be viewed live in the UK and Ireland on BBC, with live streaming on BBCiPlayer.
Eurosport and Eurosport Player will show the Australian Open 2016 live in the rest of Europe. Channel 7 will broadcast the Australian Open live in Australia.
US viewerscan watch Roger Federer vs Alexandr Dolgopolov live on ESPN with live streaming options on Watch ESPN.
Middle East and North Africa tennis fans can watch Roger Federer vs Alexandr Dolgopolov live on Bein Sports and online on Bein Sports Connect
Fox Sports will show the opening round matches live in South East Asia as well as South Korea.
