Roger Federer vs Tomas Berdych is a match that could go either way, even if that pendulum is currently locked in the Swiss master's favour. With both players desperate to move into the semifinals, this Australian Open quarterfinal promises to be a non-stop, can't-take-you-eyes-off-it, top-quality tennis match.
Federer almost always rises to the big occasion, and with the legend just three wins away from an 18th Grand Slam, expect the Swiss to crank up his verve-power a little bit more from Tuesday. Having thumped David Goffin 6-2, 6-1, 6-4 in the fourth round, Federer looks in ominous mood, and almost destined to seal a semifinal place against Novak Djokovic.
"Surprised it went as fast as it did," Federer said after his cruise against Goffin. "To win the first two sets within 50 minutes is the best thing that can happen out there, especially with a 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. I was able to do that. I was very pleased. There were some great moments in the match which I can take a lot away from. I was able to find an extra gear, I guess."
Berdych is someone Federer has faced several times in the past, so when the two players meet, there will be no surprises for either opponent.
"I have to play well," Federer said when asked what it would take to beat the Czech No.6 seed. "I think the court suits him. I think this sort of flatter bounce and faster court is good for his serves, good for his returns. It's a fast court. I think for his kind of game it's good.
"I think I matched up well against him as of late. I would assume he's exactly where he wants to be and he'll recover and make it a tough match for me, no doubt about it. It's going to be a good match. We're both going to play aggressive. This court pays off when you do play good and aggressive tennis."
Berdych, playing his sixth consecutive quarterfinal at the Australian Open, was put through the wringer by Roberto Bautista Agut in his fourth round match, with the Czech needing five sets to setup this Federer quarterfinal. Fitness could prove to be an issue in this match, particularly considering it will be played in the afternoon heat in Melbourne.
"I think he's playing really well, especially in the last season," Berdych said of Federer. "He's become a very, very dangerous opponent, as always he is. I mean, it's always difficult to say something else or something new. I mean, it's Roger, so it's always going to be a huge challenge to play him. It's the quarterfinal of a Slam.
"I like my chances. I'm just looking forward to that match."
Where to Watch Live
The Australian Open quarterfinal is set to begin not before 2.30 pm local time (9 am IST, 3.30 am GMT, 10.30 pm ET). Live coverage of the Australian Open quarterfinal match will be on Sony ESPN and Sony ESPN HD in India, with the online live streaming option on Sonyliv.
BBC will broadcast the Australian Open live in the UK and Ireland, while all the action can also be live streamed on BBCiPlayer.
Eurosport and Eurosport Player will show Roger Federer vs Tomas Berdych live in the rest of Europe. Channel 7 will broadcast the Australian Open live in Australia.
ESPN is the place to be to watch the tennis action in the US and Canada, while the live stream option is on Watch ESPN.
Bein Sports and Bein Sports Connect will broadcast the Australian Open quarterfinal in the Middle East and North Africa.
Fox Sports will bring you live coverage of the Australian Open in South East Asia.
