Top Seeds Find Top Form at Aussie Open

Sports News - January 23rd, 2010 - Written By Bryan

After a surprising struggle in his opening round match at the Australian Open, top-seed Roger Federer has found his form. The men's top ranked player has cruised through his second and third round matches in straight sets, and now sets his sights on the fourth-round.

Federer faced the 31st seed Albert Montanes in his third-round match. It was a mini-milestone for the no.1 player, as he collected his 50th overall win at the Australian Open, a tournament that he has won three times prior.

"It was important to come through the first week," Federer remarked after the match. "I feel good, I feel confident. Physically I'm fine and mentally fresh and that's the way you want to go into the second week."

Federer defeated Montanes in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 in what was a routine outing that he never trailed. He does not take anything lightly however, as the 15-time Grand Slam winner knows that every match won in a major is difficult. He knows his game will have to continue to improve if he hopes to claim a 16th major singles title.

"Victories don't come easy," Federer said in the post-round interview. "I had to battle through, and there was tough moments and frustrating moments out there. You have to be mentally strong to be at the top no matter, regardless of the player you are."

Federer was then asked of Refael Nadal, the defending champion of the event. Nadal defeated Federer in the final last season. The second-ranked player in the world has battled back from an injury plagued 2009 campaign to get back to top-form through three rounds of the Australian Open.

"With him, it's from point one to the last point it's always the same intensity," Federer responded. "He never drops it."

Federer faces Lleyton Hewitt in his fourth round match. He is again a heavy favorite to advance, according to the Tennis betting lines at Bodog sports book. He is currently installed as a -1400 favorite to advance. Hewitt assumes the underdog role, as oddsmakers have him installed at +675.

Top seed in the woman's bracket, Serena Williams, has also played well through three rounds. The American has dominated her opponents, as she looks to defend her 2009 Australian Open title.

Williams' only bump in the road during her third round match against Carla Suarez Navarro came as she tried to close out the opening set, which took her eight match points to do so.

"It was definitely the toughest 6-love set," Williams remarked after the match. "I thought, 'OK, Serena, don't put too much pressure on this. Worst case scenario it will be 5-1.' But way to keep fighting."

Williams ended up closing the set, and eventually the match after a 6-0, 6-3 win that propels her a step closer to repeating as Australian Open champion. She faces a fourth-round match up with Samantha Stosur. Williams is expected to have little difficulty in advancing, as Tennis Betting Lines at Bodog sportsbook have her set as a -800 favorite to move forward. Stosur is the heavy underdog, with her odds currently at +475.

Fourth-round match times for both Federer and Williams are not yet posted. Live coverage for the Australian Open can be seen nightly at 9pm EST on ESPN. ESPN360 provides extended coverage of the tournament for matches not seen on television.