Australian Open: Defending champion Roger Federer races into R16

Roger Federer dRichard Gasquet, 6-2, 7-5, 6-4

Defending champion Federerdefeated Richard Gasquet, 6-2, 7-5, 6-4 to reach the round of 16 on Saturday at Rod Laver Arena.

"I was able to stay more on the offensive than he was and maybe I was protecting my own serve better than him," Federer said.

"I was hoping I could play at that level. I'm very happy that I was able to rise to a level that I needed to beat Richard.

"It was tough. The score shows it, as well. I could have done it maybe a bit faster.

"I’m coming in this year very fit, very well-equipped."

"At the same time, I'm happy to have done it the way it happened. I was pleased. I think I had some good shots. I was happy the way I played. I also thought we both played a good level again, so it was fun," he added.

The Swiss legend broke Gasquet's serve five times and hit 42 winners with 30 unforced errors.

"I like to see the way he saved match point. The first one was a backhand down the line," Federer said of Gasquet late resistance.

"Feels like he can do that in his sleep. I admire that. I take pleasure out of him making that shot even though for a second I thought that this could have been the match point I had and end up losing the match."

"I started as a kid with a double-handed backhand and then let go. That left-hand is just decoration right now," he shared.