Defending champion Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal were drawn to face each other in a blockbuster&nbsp;French&nbsp;Open&nbsp;semi-final on Friday.

Nadal is chasing a 10th title at Roland Garros while second seed Djokovic, working with new coach Andre Agassi, is looking to defend the only major he still holds.

&quot;Rafa is the number one favourite,&quot; said Djokovic.

World number one Andy Murray is seeded to face 2015 champion Stan Wawrinka in the last four.

Murray starts against Russia&#39;s world number 85 Andrey Kuznetsov, Djokovic tackles Spanish clay courter Marcel Granollers while Nadal meets combustible Frenchman Benoit Paire.

Murray could face dangerous Juan Martin del Potro in the third round.

Injury-plagued del Potro, who lost to Murray in the 2016 Olympics final, is playing Roland Garros for the first time since 2012.

If the seedings work out, 2016 runner-up Murray, who is reportedly suffering from an illness, would face Japan&#39;s Kei Nishikori in the last eight.

The other quarter-finals would see Wawrinka meet 2014 US&nbsp;Open&nbsp;champion Marin Cilic, Nadal would meet Canada&#39;s Milos Raonic while Djokovic could take on Dominic Thiem.

Djokovic demolished highly-regarded Austrian Thiem for the loss of just one game in the Rome Masters semi-finals last week.

The 30-year-old Nadal has already reached the magical 10 titles number this year at the claycourt events in Monte Carlo and Barcelona.

For good measure, he also won Madrid for a fifth time, ending a seven-match losing streak, stretching back over two years against Djokovic in the process.

Nadal boasts a sensational career record at Roland Garros -- 72 wins and just two defeats, to Djokovic in 2015 and an injury-affected shock loss to Robin Soderling in 2009.

&#39;No magic pattern&#39;&nbsp;

On clay this year, Djokovic has been on an upward curve -- quarter-finals in Monte Carlo, semi-finals in Madrid and a runners-up spot in Rome where he was comprehensively demolished by Alexander Zverev.

&quot;It was one of my last dreams in terms of tournaments that I wanted to win here,&quot; said Djokovic at the draw on Friday.

&quot;It was missing from my list so I ticked it off and got the full set of Grand Slams.&quot;

Murray has endured a wretched season by his standards with an elbow injury not helping his cause.

He lost in the third round in Monte Carlo, made the semis in Barcelona, was a third-round loser in Madrid before an opening defeat in Rome to Fabio Fognini.

Zverev faces Spanish veteran Fernando Verdasco first up, Thiem tackles Bernard Tomic of Australia while fellow &#39;NextGen&#39; star Nick Kyrgios faces Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany.

Nishikori, yet to get past the quarter-finals in Paris, begins against 21-year-old Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis.

In the women&#39;s draw, top seed Angelique Kerber starts against experienced Russian Ekaterina Makarova in the first round.

Kerber is due to face defending champion Garbine Muguruza of Spain in the semi-finals.

&quot;I am super-excited to be here. I am preparing the best I can but there is no magic pattern,&quot; said Muguruza who comes into the tournament having suffered a neck injury in Rome last week.

Muguruza has a tough opener against former champion Francesca Schiavone.

Second seed Karolina Plisova was drawn to face 2014 runner-up Simona Halep in the semi-finals but will start against Zheng Saisai of China.

Halep has an ankle injury and described her chances of making Roland Garros as &quot;50-50&quot; earlier this week.

The women&#39;s event is regarded as being wide&nbsp;open&nbsp;with Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova and Victoria Azarenka all absent.

If the seedings works out, Kerber will face former champion Svetlana Kuznetsova in the last eight with Muguruza against Dominika Cibulkova.

Elina Svitolina would face Halep, who she defeated in the Rome final, while Britain&#39;s Johanna Konta would be Pliskova&#39;s last-eight rival.

(AFP)

World number one Andy Murray, meanwhile, has a potential third round against Juan Martin del Potro

Defending champion Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal were drawn to face each other in a blockbuster French Open semi-final on Friday. Nadal is chasing a 10th title at Roland Garros while second seed Djokovic, working with new coach Andre Agassi, is looking to defend the only major he still holds. "Rafa is the number one favourite," said Djokovic. World number one Andy Murray is seeded to face 2015 champion Stan Wawrinka in the last four. Murray starts against Russia's world number 85 Andrey Kuznetsov, Djokovic tackles Spanish clay courter Marcel Granollers while Nadal meets combustible Frenchman Benoit Paire. Murray could face dangerous Juan Martin del Potro in the third round. Injury-plagued del Potro, who lost to Murray in the 2016 Olympics final, is playing Roland Garros for the first time since 2012. If the seedings work out, 2016 runner-up Murray, who is reportedly suffering from an illness, would face Japan's Kei Nishikori in the last eight. The other quarter-finals would see Wawrinka meet 2014 US Open champion Marin Cilic, Nadal would meet Canada's Milos Raonic while Djokovic could take on Dominic Thiem. Djokovic demolished highly-regarded Austrian Thiem for the loss of just one game in the Rome Masters semi-finals last week. The 30-year-old Nadal has already reached the magical 10 titles number this year at the claycourt events in Monte Carlo and Barcelona. For good measure, he also won Madrid for a fifth time, ending a seven-match losing streak, stretching back over two years against Djokovic in the process. Nadal boasts a sensational career record at Roland Garros -- 72 wins and just two defeats, to Djokovic in 2015 and an injury-affected shock loss to Robin Soderling in 2009. 'No magic pattern' On clay this year, Djokovic has been on an upward curve -- quarter-finals in Monte Carlo, semi-finals in Madrid and a runners-up spot in Rome where he was comprehensively demolished by Alexander Zverev. "It was one of my last dreams in terms of tournaments that I wanted to win here," said Djokovic at the draw on Friday. "It was missing from my list so I ticked it off and got the full set of Grand Slams." Murray has endured a wretched season by his standards with an elbow injury not helping his cause. He lost in the third round in Monte Carlo, made the semis in Barcelona, was a third-round loser in Madrid before an opening defeat in Rome to Fabio Fognini. Zverev faces Spanish veteran Fernando Verdasco first up, Thiem tackles Bernard Tomic of Australia while fellow 'NextGen' star Nick Kyrgios faces Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany. Nishikori, yet to get past the quarter-finals in Paris, begins against 21-year-old Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis. In the women's draw, top seed Angelique Kerber starts against experienced Russian Ekaterina Makarova in the first round. Kerber is due to face defending champion Garbine Muguruza of Spain in the semi-finals. "I am super-excited to be here. I am preparing the best I can but there is no magic pattern," said Muguruza who comes into the tournament having suffered a neck injury in Rome last week. Muguruza has a tough opener against former champion Francesca Schiavone. Second seed Karolina Plisova was drawn to face 2014 runner-up Simona Halep in the semi-finals but will start against Zheng Saisai of China. Halep has an ankle injury and described her chances of making Roland Garros as "50-50" earlier this week. The women's event is regarded as being wide open with Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova and Victoria Azarenka all absent. If the seedings works out, Kerber will face former champion Svetlana Kuznetsova in the last eight with Muguruza against Dominika Cibulkova. Elina Svitolina would face Halep, who she defeated in the Rome final, while Britain's Johanna Konta would be Pliskova's last-eight rival. (AFP)

French Open draw: Nadal, Djokovic set on collision course

<p content="Johannesburg [South Africa], May 1 (ANI): Swiss maestro Roger Federer, who has been brimming with confidence after resounding victories at the Australian Open and ATP events in Miami and Indian Wells, has said he plans to play in French Open scheduled for next month." data-reactid="11" type="text">Swiss maestro Roger Federer, who has been brimming with confidence after resounding victories at the Australian Open and ATP events in Miami and Indian Wells, has said he plans to play in French Open scheduled for next month.

<p content="Federer, after defeating John Isner 6-4, 7-6 (9/7) in an exhibition at Seattle, Washington, to benefit his charity foundation, on Saturday said he plans to play at Roland Garros for the first time since 2015." data-reactid="12" type="text">Federer, after defeating John Isner 6-4, 7-6 (9/7) in an exhibition at Seattle, Washington, to benefit his charity foundation, on Saturday said he plans to play at Roland Garros for the first time since 2015.

&quot;I am registered and my intention is to play Roland Garros,&quot; Sport24 quoted him as saying.

<p content="The 18-time Grand Slam champion had made to the quarterfinals of the 2015 French Open where he had eventually lost and missed last year's event while dealing with knee and back injuries." data-reactid="14" type="text">The 18-time Grand Slam champion had made to the quarterfinals of the 2015 French Open where he had eventually lost and missed last year&#39;s event while dealing with knee and back injuries.

<p content="He last won at the Roland Garros in 2009 and completed a career Grand Slam. Apart from the lone French Open title, the 35-year-old owns five US and Australian Open crowns and seven Wimbledon titles." data-reactid="15" type="text">He last won at the Roland Garros in 2009 and completed a career Grand Slam. Apart from the lone French Open title, the 35-year-old owns five US and Australian Open crowns and seven Wimbledon titles.

&quot;I feel very privileged to be back on a tennis court,&quot; Federer said.

<p content="&quot;Last year was extremely difficult, having had surgery and the knee never healing. Then I had back pain too, and it all got too much at Wimbledon and I was out for six months." data-reactid="17" type="text">&quot;Last year was extremely difficult, having had surgery and the knee never healing. Then I had back pain too, and it all got too much at Wimbledon and I was out for six months.

<p content="&quot;But I was able to spend some incredible time with the family and start preparing for this season and hoping that the work that I put in the off season was going to really pay off." data-reactid="18" type="text">&quot;But I was able to spend some incredible time with the family and start preparing for this season and hoping that the work that I put in the off season was going to really pay off.

<p content="Federer, currently ranked fourth in the world, has indicated that he has no plans on retiring having signed a deal to play in the Basel tournament until 2019. (ANI)" data-reactid="19" type="text">Federer, currently ranked fourth in the world, has indicated that he has no plans on retiring having signed a deal to play in the Basel tournament until 2019.

<p content="Federer, currently ranked fourth in the world, has indicated that he has no plans on retiring having signed a deal to play in the Basel tournament until 2019. (ANI)" data-reactid="19" type="text">(ANI)

The 18-time grand slam champion said after beating John Isner in an exhibition match

Swiss maestro Roger Federer, who has been brimming with confidence after resounding victories at the Australian Open and ATP events in Miami and Indian Wells, has said he plans to play in French Open scheduled for next month. Federer, after defeating John Isner 6-4, 7-6 (9/7) in an exhibition at Seattle, Washington, to benefit his charity foundation, on Saturday said he plans to play at Roland Garros for the first time since 2015. "I am registered and my intention is to play Roland Garros," Sport24 quoted him as saying. The 18-time Grand Slam champion had made to the quarterfinals of the 2015 French Open where he had eventually lost and missed last year's event while dealing with knee and back injuries. He last won at the Roland Garros in 2009 and completed a career Grand Slam. Apart from the lone French Open title, the 35-year-old owns five US and Australian Open crowns and seven Wimbledon titles. "I feel very privileged to be back on a tennis court," Federer said. "Last year was extremely difficult, having had surgery and the knee never healing. Then I had back pain too, and it all got too much at Wimbledon and I was out for six months. "But I was able to spend some incredible time with the family and start preparing for this season and hoping that the work that I put in the off season was going to really pay off. Federer, currently ranked fourth in the world, has indicated that he has no plans on retiring having signed a deal to play in the Basel tournament until 2019. (ANI)

Roger Federer intends to play French Open

Roger Federer, fresh from winning his third title of the year in Miami, said Sunday he will take a nearly two-month break from the sport before returning for the French Open in late May.

Federer has won the Australian Open, Indian Wells and Miami since coming back from a six-month injury lay-off and he said he won&rsquo;t be playing clay court events including Masters series events in Monte Carlo, Madrid and Rome.

&quot;I&#39;m not 24 any more so things have changed in a big way and I probably won&#39;t play any clay court event except the French. That is what it is going to look like, I need rest, my body needs healing, I need time as well to prepare, you will probably see me at the French again,&quot; he told ESPN in an on-court interview.

&quot;I want to stay healthy and enjoy myself. Because when I am healthy and feeling good, I can produce tennis like this, when I am not feeling this good there is no chance I will be in the finals competing with Rafa.

&quot;That is why this break coming now in the clay court season and focusing everything now on the French, the grass and then the hard courts after that is going to be the key for me,&quot; he added.

Federer beat Nadal in straight sets in the Miami final on Sunday.

(AFP)

The world number four will take a nearly two-month break by skipping all Masters events on clay

Roger Federer, fresh from winning his third title of the year in Miami, said Sunday he will take a nearly two-month break from the sport before returning for the French Open in late May. Federer has won the Australian Open, Indian Wells and Miami since coming back from a six-month injury lay-off and he said he won’t be playing clay court events including Masters series events in Monte Carlo, Madrid and Rome. "I'm not 24 any more so things have changed in a big way and I probably won't play any clay court event except the French. That is what it is going to look like, I need rest, my body needs healing, I need time as well to prepare, you will probably see me at the French again," he told ESPN in an on-court interview. "I want to stay healthy and enjoy myself. Because when I am healthy and feeling good, I can produce tennis like this, when I am not feeling this good there is no chance I will be in the finals competing with Rafa. "That is why this break coming now in the clay court season and focusing everything now on the French, the grass and then the hard courts after that is going to be the key for me," he added. Federer beat Nadal in straight sets in the Miami final on Sunday. (AFP)

Federer to skip nearly two months, will return for French Open

Roger Federer defeated long-standing rival Rafael Nadal 6-3, 6-4 to win the Miami Open on Sunday and continue his outstanding start to the year.

Since returning from his six month injury lay-off, the 35-year-old Federer has also won the Australian Open and Indian Wells and he heads into the clay season as, once again, the dominant presence on the ATP Tour.

Federer has beaten Nadal in all of those events this year and has now won his last four meetings between the pair.&nbsp;

The Spaniard was playing in his fifth Miami final but remains without a win in the Masters series event.

The first set was a tight affair with both players having their opportunities to break but it was not until the eighth game and 10th break point of the set that one of them was able to get ahead.

Nadal could only find the net from a Federer backhand and the Swiss grabbed a 5-3 lead and he comfortably held the next game to secure the first set.

There has always been a marked contrast between Federer and Nadal&#39;s differing styles and with time it has become further accentuated.

Nadal was working hard in the 83 degrees afternoon heat, thrusting himself into his shots while the elegant Federer&#39;s poise appeared almost casual.&nbsp;

The second set took an almost identical path, albeit with fewer openings to break for both players until Federer again pounced, to grab a 5-4 lead when Nadal went long returning a fine backhand.

(AFP)

Federer overwhelmed Nadal 6-3, 6-4 in just under two hours to claim an impressive win

Roger Federer defeated long-standing rival Rafael Nadal 6-3, 6-4 to win the Miami Open on Sunday and continue his outstanding start to the year. Since returning from his six month injury lay-off, the 35-year-old Federer has also won the Australian Open and Indian Wells and he heads into the clay season as, once again, the dominant presence on the ATP Tour. Federer has beaten Nadal in all of those events this year and has now won his last four meetings between the pair. The Spaniard was playing in his fifth Miami final but remains without a win in the Masters series event. The first set was a tight affair with both players having their opportunities to break but it was not until the eighth game and 10th break point of the set that one of them was able to get ahead. Nadal could only find the net from a Federer backhand and the Swiss grabbed a 5-3 lead and he comfortably held the next game to secure the first set. There has always been a marked contrast between Federer and Nadal's differing styles and with time it has become further accentuated. Nadal was working hard in the 83 degrees afternoon heat, thrusting himself into his shots while the elegant Federer's poise appeared almost casual. The second set took an almost identical path, albeit with fewer openings to break for both players until Federer again pounced, to grab a 5-4 lead when Nadal went long returning a fine backhand. (AFP)

Federer downs Nadal to lift Miami Masters

Roger&nbsp;Federer&nbsp;dramatically fought his way into the Miami Open semi-finals with a 6-2, 3-6, 7-6 (8/6) victory over Czech 10th seed Tomas Berdych on Thursday.

The 35-year-old Swiss, who has already won the Australian Open and Indian Wells so far this year, extended his win streak over Berdych to seven matches.

There was plenty of tension in the match-deciding tie-breaker, where&nbsp;Federer&nbsp;saved match point and then Berdych lost on a double-fault.

&quot;I definitely got very lucky at the end, but I think I showed great heart today,&quot;&nbsp;Federer&nbsp;said. &quot;I fought and Tomas definitely started to step it up, but it was a great match at the end.&quot;

Federer&nbsp;will face Nick Kyrgios in the semi-finals after the Australian came through an entertaining 6-4, 6-7 (9/11), 6-3 victory over 19-year-old German Alexander Zverev.

Should&nbsp;Federer&nbsp;win Friday, there is a chance he will play Sunday&#39;s final against long-standing rival Rafael Nadal, who faces Italy&#39;s Fabio Fognini in the other semi-final.

But Thursday could very easily have been the end of the tournament for the&nbsp;18-time Grand Slam champion, who entered the match having not dropped a set over eight consecutive matches at Indian Wells and Miami.

Berdych was broken in the opening game of the match and then&nbsp;Federer&nbsp;dealt with a break point in the second game. The Swiss was comfortable on his serve and then broke Berdych again at 4-2 to put the opening set beyond doubt.

But then, the Czech dug deep and came out fighting.

Berdych broke to go 5-3 up and took the contest into a third set, where&nbsp;Federer&nbsp;made the most of some unforced errors from his opponent to break at 4-2 but then, uncharacteristically,&nbsp;Federer&nbsp;let some sloppiness creep into his game.

Federer&nbsp;was broken when serving for the match at 5-3 and was unable to convert on match-point at in the next game.

Berdych led 6-4 in the tie-breaker but gave up two points and&nbsp;Federer&nbsp;blasted a superb ace to get in front before the double-fault from the Czech ended the contest.

It was the second demoralising defeat this month for Berdych. He lost at Indian Wells in the third round after leading 6-1, 5-2 against Japan&#39;s Yoshihito Nishioka.

Asked about his frustration, Berdych said: &quot;What should I do? Should I destroy the table? Then you see how much I&#39;m frustrated. I don&#39;t know.

&quot;It&#39;s obviously not something that you want, to finish the tournament like that. But I got a lesson in the last tournament, so this is going to be fine to get over with. I think this is going to be a strawberry cake after that. It&#39;s going to be fine.&quot;

Federer&nbsp;improved to 17-1 in 2017, his best start to a season since 2006, and has now won seven tie-breakers in a row.

The Kyrgios-Zverev quarter-final was billed as a glimpse at the future of top-level tennis and if so, the sport should have an entertaining era ahead.

The match featured huge serves from Kyrgios, audacious and expertly executed lobs from Zverev and an intense second set tie-breaker decided for the German after his rival tried unsuccessfully to return a lob on set point through his legs.

Kyrgios, though, has added greater control to his always explosive game and finished strong to set up a fascinating clash with&nbsp;Federer.

(AFP)

The reigning Australian Open champion saved a match point in the deciding set tie-breaker to sneak through to the semi-finals

Roger Federer dramatically fought his way into the Miami Open semi-finals with a 6-2, 3-6, 7-6 (8/6) victory over Czech 10th seed Tomas Berdych on Thursday. The 35-year-old Swiss, who has already won the Australian Open and Indian Wells so far this year, extended his win streak over Berdych to seven matches. There was plenty of tension in the match-deciding tie-breaker, where Federer saved match point and then Berdych lost on a double-fault. "I definitely got very lucky at the end, but I think I showed great heart today," Federer said. "I fought and Tomas definitely started to step it up, but it was a great match at the end." Federer will face Nick Kyrgios in the semi-finals after the Australian came through an entertaining 6-4, 6-7 (9/11), 6-3 victory over 19-year-old German Alexander Zverev. Should Federer win Friday, there is a chance he will play Sunday's final against long-standing rival Rafael Nadal, who faces Italy's Fabio Fognini in the other semi-final. But Thursday could very easily have been the end of the tournament for the 18-time Grand Slam champion, who entered the match having not dropped a set over eight consecutive matches at Indian Wells and Miami. Berdych was broken in the opening game of the match and then Federer dealt with a break point in the second game. The Swiss was comfortable on his serve and then broke Berdych again at 4-2 to put the opening set beyond doubt. But then, the Czech dug deep and came out fighting. Berdych broke to go 5-3 up and took the contest into a third set, where Federer made the most of some unforced errors from his opponent to break at 4-2 but then, uncharacteristically, Federer let some sloppiness creep into his game. Federer was broken when serving for the match at 5-3 and was unable to convert on match-point at in the next game. Berdych led 6-4 in the tie-breaker but gave up two points and Federer blasted a superb ace to get in front before the double-fault from the Czech ended the contest. It was the second demoralising defeat this month for Berdych. He lost at Indian Wells in the third round after leading 6-1, 5-2 against Japan's Yoshihito Nishioka. Asked about his frustration, Berdych said: "What should I do? Should I destroy the table? Then you see how much I'm frustrated. I don't know. "It's obviously not something that you want, to finish the tournament like that. But I got a lesson in the last tournament, so this is going to be fine to get over with. I think this is going to be a strawberry cake after that. It's going to be fine." Federer improved to 17-1 in 2017, his best start to a season since 2006, and has now won seven tie-breakers in a row. The Kyrgios-Zverev quarter-final was billed as a glimpse at the future of top-level tennis and if so, the sport should have an entertaining era ahead. The match featured huge serves from Kyrgios, audacious and expertly executed lobs from Zverev and an intense second set tie-breaker decided for the German after his rival tried unsuccessfully to return a lob on set point through his legs. Kyrgios, though, has added greater control to his always explosive game and finished strong to set up a fascinating clash with Federer. (AFP)

Miami Masters: Federer pips Berdych to set up clash with Kyrgios

Roger Federer survived a brave challenge from American qualifier Frances Tiafoe before emerging with a 7-6 (7/2) 6-3 victory as he got his Miami Open title bid underway on Saturday.&nbsp;

Tiafoe, ranked 101st in the world, struggled against Federer&#39;s serve but was strong on his own and forced a first set tie-break in which the Swiss came out on top.

The 19-year-old son of immigrants from Sierra Leone then broke Federer&rsquo;s serve in the first game of the second set only for the 18-times Grand Slam winner to break back twice and run out a comfortable winner in the end.

Federer was full of praise for his opponent and said he would have gained valuable experience from the contest.

&quot;I hope he&#39;s going to learn a lot from a match like this just because playing on a centre court with a lot of people, under pressure, saving break points, making break points, playing breakers. That&#39;s what it&#39;s about, and it should feed a player like him with a lot of energy moving forward,&quot; he said.

Federer is in fine form having clinched the Australian Open and Indian Wells so far this year and extended his record to 14-1.

The 35-year-old is looking for his third Miami title following wins in 2005 and 2006.

Federer should have met Del Potro in Miami last year but the Swiss had to pull out with an illness and he says he is looking forward to renewing his rivalry with the South American

&quot;We&#39;ve had some epic matches against each other: Semis at the French, Olympic semis, finals at the US Open. You name it, we&#39;ve had some really good ones,&quot; he said.

Reigning US Open champion Stan Wawrinka got off to a solid start, beating Argentina&rsquo;s Horacio Zeballos 6-3, 6-4 at Crandon Park on Saturday.

In the absence of Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic, the top two ranked players in the world, Wawrinka is the number one seed and is fired up after reaching the final at Indian Wells last week, where he was beaten by Federer.

&quot;I&#39;m playing better tennis. I feel that I&#39;m playing good here. I took the confidence from Indian Wells. So let&#39;s see... When I&#39;m playing well, when I am confident with my game, I know I can beat anybody,&quot; said Wawrinka, who turns 32 on Tuesday.

&quot;It has been quite tough conditions these last few days here. Raining, really windy today. It&#39;s really windy on the court, so it&#39;s never easy.

&quot;I&#39;m happy the way I was moving, the way I was playing, and my attitude in general was really positive,&quot; added Wawrinka, who next faces Tunisia&#39;s Malek Jaziri, a 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 winner over Spain&#39;s Feliciano Lopez.

Wawrinka will face either Malek Jaziri next after the Tunisian beat Feliciano Lopez 6-3, 4-6, 6-3.

Australia&rsquo;s Nick Kyrgios also progressed on Saturday enjoying a 6-4 6-3 win over Bosnian Damir Dzumhur.

(AFP)

Federer, the reigning Australian Open champion, will face del Potro in the next round

Roger Federer survived a brave challenge from American qualifier Frances Tiafoe before emerging with a 7-6 (7/2) 6-3 victory as he got his Miami Open title bid underway on Saturday. Tiafoe, ranked 101st in the world, struggled against Federer's serve but was strong on his own and forced a first set tie-break in which the Swiss came out on top. The 19-year-old son of immigrants from Sierra Leone then broke Federer’s serve in the first game of the second set only for the 18-times Grand Slam winner to break back twice and run out a comfortable winner in the end. Federer was full of praise for his opponent and said he would have gained valuable experience from the contest. "I hope he's going to learn a lot from a match like this just because playing on a centre court with a lot of people, under pressure, saving break points, making break points, playing breakers. That's what it's about, and it should feed a player like him with a lot of energy moving forward," he said. Federer is in fine form having clinched the Australian Open and Indian Wells so far this year and extended his record to 14-1. The 35-year-old is looking for his third Miami title following wins in 2005 and 2006. Federer should have met Del Potro in Miami last year but the Swiss had to pull out with an illness and he says he is looking forward to renewing his rivalry with the South American "We've had some epic matches against each other: Semis at the French, Olympic semis, finals at the US Open. You name it, we've had some really good ones," he said. Reigning US Open champion Stan Wawrinka got off to a solid start, beating Argentina’s Horacio Zeballos 6-3, 6-4 at Crandon Park on Saturday. In the absence of Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic, the top two ranked players in the world, Wawrinka is the number one seed and is fired up after reaching the final at Indian Wells last week, where he was beaten by Federer. "I'm playing better tennis. I feel that I'm playing good here. I took the confidence from Indian Wells. So let's see... When I'm playing well, when I am confident with my game, I know I can beat anybody," said Wawrinka, who turns 32 on Tuesday. "It has been quite tough conditions these last few days here. Raining, really windy today. It's really windy on the court, so it's never easy. "I'm happy the way I was moving, the way I was playing, and my attitude in general was really positive," added Wawrinka, who next faces Tunisia's Malek Jaziri, a 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 winner over Spain's Feliciano Lopez. Wawrinka will face either Malek Jaziri next after the Tunisian beat Feliciano Lopez 6-3, 4-6, 6-3. Australia’s Nick Kyrgios also progressed on Saturday enjoying a 6-4 6-3 win over Bosnian Damir Dzumhur. (AFP)

Miami Master: Federer, Wawrinka register contrasting wins

Roger&nbsp;Federer&nbsp;edged a five-set thriller against his fellow Swiss and close friend Stan Wawrinka at the Australian Open on Thursday to become the oldest Grand Slam finalist in 43 years.

The 17-time Grand Slam champion saw off the world number four 7-5, 6-3, 1-6, 4-6, 6-3 in three hours and five minutes and will face either Rafael Nadal or Grigor Dimitrov in Sunday&#39;s final.

It will be 35-year-old&nbsp;Federer&#39;s sixth Australian final and 28th Grand Slam decider in total, and caps a marvellous comeback after the second half of last season was ruined by a knee injury.

The four-time Australian Open champion becomes the oldest man to reach a Grand Slam final since Australia&#39;s Ken Rosewall (39 years 310 days) at the 1974 US Open.

In an enthralling contest,&nbsp;Federer&nbsp;won the opening two sets before Wawrinka clawed back to take the semi-final into a fifth, only for&nbsp;Federer&nbsp;to prevail with a service break in the sixth game.

&quot;Yes, it is real now. I can talk about playing in finals for the first time,&quot;&nbsp;Federer&nbsp;said on court.

&quot;I have been dodging that bullet for the last few days now talking about the next round and the next round but this is the last one.

&quot;So I will leave it all out here in Australia and (even) if I cannot walk for another five months, I will give it all I have.&quot;

Wawrinka, who beat Nadal in the 2014 Australian Open final, was bidding to reach his fourth Grand Slam final and his second in Melbourne.

Racquet smash

The two Swiss jockeyed in the opening games with&nbsp;Federer&nbsp;having three break points in Wawrinka&#39;s second service game and Wawrinka getting two break points, but all were saved.

Wawrinka had another break point saved in the 11th game but he paid for a netted forehand in his next service game to drop the opening set in 50 minutes.

Wawrinka netted a backhand on break point in the sixth game of the second set and angrily smashed his smash in reaction, receiving a code violation warning from the chair umpire.

The match turned quickly for Wawrinka as&nbsp;Federer&nbsp;raced to a two sets lead after holding three set points.

Wawrinka left the court for a medical timeout and returned to the court with tape around his right knee.

But Wawrinka hit back with two breaks to take the third set in just 26 minutes as&nbsp;Federer&nbsp;became loose, giving his Swiss friend the chance to play his way back into the contest.

Wawrinka broke again in the opening game of the fourth set with a beautiful backhand return winner, but&nbsp;Federer&nbsp;broke straight back.

Wawrinka earned three break points in the ninth game with some splendid groundstrokes and on his third break point he rifled a forehand cross-court winner to break, and then served out for a fifth set.

But Wawrinka cracked with a poor service game and a double-fault on double break point gave&nbsp;Federer&nbsp;a crucial 4-2 advantage.

Federer&nbsp;held his two remaining service games to win on the first of his three match points.

(AFP)

The 17-time grand slam winner saw his two-set lead disappear before overcoming his compatriot to reach the final

Roger Federer edged a five-set thriller against his fellow Swiss and close friend Stan Wawrinka at the Australian Open on Thursday to become the oldest Grand Slam finalist in 43 years. The 17-time Grand Slam champion saw off the world number four 7-5, 6-3, 1-6, 4-6, 6-3 in three hours and five minutes and will face either Rafael Nadal or Grigor Dimitrov in Sunday's final. It will be 35-year-old Federer's sixth Australian final and 28th Grand Slam decider in total, and caps a marvellous comeback after the second half of last season was ruined by a knee injury. The four-time Australian Open champion becomes the oldest man to reach a Grand Slam final since Australia's Ken Rosewall (39 years 310 days) at the 1974 US Open. In an enthralling contest, Federer won the opening two sets before Wawrinka clawed back to take the semi-final into a fifth, only for Federer to prevail with a service break in the sixth game. "Yes, it is real now. I can talk about playing in finals for the first time," Federer said on court. "I have been dodging that bullet for the last few days now talking about the next round and the next round but this is the last one. "So I will leave it all out here in Australia and (even) if I cannot walk for another five months, I will give it all I have." Wawrinka, who beat Nadal in the 2014 Australian Open final, was bidding to reach his fourth Grand Slam final and his second in Melbourne. Racquet smash The two Swiss jockeyed in the opening games with Federer having three break points in Wawrinka's second service game and Wawrinka getting two break points, but all were saved. Wawrinka had another break point saved in the 11th game but he paid for a netted forehand in his next service game to drop the opening set in 50 minutes. Wawrinka netted a backhand on break point in the sixth game of the second set and angrily smashed his smash in reaction, receiving a code violation warning from the chair umpire. The match turned quickly for Wawrinka as Federer raced to a two sets lead after holding three set points. Wawrinka left the court for a medical timeout and returned to the court with tape around his right knee. But Wawrinka hit back with two breaks to take the third set in just 26 minutes as Federer became loose, giving his Swiss friend the chance to play his way back into the contest. Wawrinka broke again in the opening game of the fourth set with a beautiful backhand return winner, but Federer broke straight back. Wawrinka earned three break points in the ninth game with some splendid groundstrokes and on his third break point he rifled a forehand cross-court winner to break, and then served out for a fifth set. But Wawrinka cracked with a poor service game and a double-fault on double break point gave Federer a crucial 4-2 advantage. Federer held his two remaining service games to win on the first of his three match points. (AFP)

Australian Open: Federer sees off Wawrinka in see-saw five-set tussle

Rafael Nadal set up an Australian Open final against his great rival Roger Federer after edging Grigor Dimitrov in a classic five-set semi-final which stretched for nearly five hours on Friday.

Nadal pulled off one of his greatest victories in denying Bulgaria&#39;s Dimitrov, 6-3, 5-7, 7-6 (7/5), 6-7 (4/7), 6-4 in four hours and 56 minutes in front of a rocking Rod Laver Arena crowd.

Nadal showed his incredible fighting qualities to claw back from 0-30 down in the ninth game of the final set to break Dimitrov&#39;s serve with two tremendous chases to put away the winning volley to lead 5-4.

Dimitrov bravely saved two match points as Nadal served out for the match before the Spaniard clinched the victory, sinking to his knees in relief and jubilation.

Nadal said it was a &quot;privilege&quot; to face Federer in their ninth final, and first since the 2011 French Open.

&quot;It&#39;s a very special thing, I think for both of us to be in the final of a major again and have another chance to compete with each other again after a couple of years having some problems,&quot; he said.

&quot;I think both of us never thought we were going to be here again in the final of the Australian Open.&quot;

Nadal, who downed Federer in 2009 final, won through to his fourth Australian Open final and his 21st Grand Slam final. He leads Federer leads 6-2 in their major finals.

The 30-year-old Spaniard has been out of the Grand Slam limelight since his last title success at Roland Garros in 2014, as injuries sidetracked his glorious career.&nbsp;

Nadal is bidding to win his second Australian Open title and become the first man in the Open Era &ndash;- and only the third man in history &ndash;i to win each of the four Grand Slam titles twice.

Nadal and Dimitrov played each other to a standstill in Friday&#39;s epic, with two tiebreakers going either way in a semi-final that ran well past midnight.

Federer, who beat fellow Swiss Stan Wawrinka in Thursday&#39;s first semi-final, was watching on with relish as his rival in Sunday&#39;s final was taken the distance in a draining physical battle.

The last time both men&#39;s semi-finals went to five sets at any Slam was at 2009 Roland Garros when Federer beat Juan Martin del Potro and Robin Soderling defeated Fernando Gonzalez.

(AFP)

Nadal pulled off one of his greatest victories in denying Dimitrov, 6-3, 5-7, 7-6 (7/5), 6-7 (4/7), 6-4 in four hours and 56 minutes

Rafael Nadal set up an Australian Open final against his great rival Roger Federer after edging Grigor Dimitrov in a classic five-set semi-final which stretched for nearly five hours on Friday. Nadal pulled off one of his greatest victories in denying Bulgaria's Dimitrov, 6-3, 5-7, 7-6 (7/5), 6-7 (4/7), 6-4 in four hours and 56 minutes in front of a rocking Rod Laver Arena crowd. Nadal showed his incredible fighting qualities to claw back from 0-30 down in the ninth game of the final set to break Dimitrov's serve with two tremendous chases to put away the winning volley to lead 5-4. Dimitrov bravely saved two match points as Nadal served out for the match before the Spaniard clinched the victory, sinking to his knees in relief and jubilation. Nadal said it was a "privilege" to face Federer in their ninth final, and first since the 2011 French Open. "It's a very special thing, I think for both of us to be in the final of a major again and have another chance to compete with each other again after a couple of years having some problems," he said. "I think both of us never thought we were going to be here again in the final of the Australian Open." Nadal, who downed Federer in 2009 final, won through to his fourth Australian Open final and his 21st Grand Slam final. He leads Federer leads 6-2 in their major finals. The 30-year-old Spaniard has been out of the Grand Slam limelight since his last title success at Roland Garros in 2014, as injuries sidetracked his glorious career. Nadal is bidding to win his second Australian Open title and become the first man in the Open Era –- and only the third man in history –i to win each of the four Grand Slam titles twice. Nadal and Dimitrov played each other to a standstill in Friday's epic, with two tiebreakers going either way in a semi-final that ran well past midnight. Federer, who beat fellow Swiss Stan Wawrinka in Thursday's first semi-final, was watching on with relish as his rival in Sunday's final was taken the distance in a draining physical battle. The last time both men's semi-finals went to five sets at any Slam was at 2009 Roland Garros when Federer beat Juan Martin del Potro and Robin Soderling defeated Fernando Gonzalez. (AFP)

Australian Open: Nadal beats Dimitrov to face Federer in finals

Roger Federer reached his first Australian Open final in seven years on Thursday and then made it as clear as he politely could that he would welcome the chance to renew his epic rivalry with Rafa Nadal as he chases his 18th grand slam title.

The 35-year-old Swiss came through a&nbsp;five-set battle with compatriot Stan Wawrinka to set up a final against Spaniard Nadal or Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov, who meet in Friday&#39;s second semi-final.

&quot;It&#39;s real, I can really actually talk about a final, I&#39;ve been dodging that bullet for the last few days,&quot; Federer said.

&quot;Rafa&#39;s given me the most problems in the game ... I&#39;m probably Rafa&#39;s number one fan, I think his game is just tremendous. He&#39;s an incredible competitor.

&quot;I&#39;m happy that we&#39;ve had some epic battles over the years and of course it would be unreal to play him here.&quot;

While Federer&#39;s preference seemed clear, he did not earn his reputation as one of the great gentlemen of sport without paying due respect to both of his potential opponents.

&quot;Dimitrov&#39;s got a very complete game. He can mix it up really well. He&#39;s very confident and you never want to play confident players, but it&#39;s him or Rafa,&quot; said Federer, laughing.

&quot;It&#39;s going to be tough either way.&quot;Both Federer and Nadal missed the back end of last season because of injury, the Swiss after his first ever knee surgery and Nadal because of a wrist injury.

Federer said neither of them would have believed they would be potentially meeting in a grand slam final when they got together to open the Spaniard&#39;s academy in Mallorca just a few months ago.

&quot;I was on one leg, he had the wrist injury and we were playing some mini-tennis with some juniors and we said, &#39;That&#39;s the best we can do right now&#39;,&quot; he said.

&quot;A few months later, we&#39;re potentially going to be in the final. I think it&#39;s been a very special tournament for both of us already.&quot;

INJURY &#39;NO WORRY&#39;

Federer unusually took a medical timeout in his three-hour, five-minute battle with Wawrinka, saying he had been carrying an upper leg injury.

He said he was not worried about it and nothing was going to stop him from taking to the court and fighting it out for a fifth Australian Open crown on Rod Laver Arena on Sunday.

&quot;I&#39;ll leave it all out here in Australia and if I can&#39;t walk for another five months, that&#39;s okay. I&#39;ll give it my best shot,&quot; he said.

&quot;It feels amazing. I never, ever in my wildest dreams thought I would come this far in Australia. I have a couple of days off. It&#39;s beautiful, I&#39;m so happy.&quot;

(Reuters)

Federer said he would welcome the chance to renew his epic rivalry with Nadal as he chases his 18th grand slam title

Roger Federer reached his first Australian Open final in seven years on Thursday and then made it as clear as he politely could that he would welcome the chance to renew his epic rivalry with Rafa Nadal as he chases his 18th grand slam title. The 35-year-old Swiss came through a five-set battle with compatriot Stan Wawrinka to set up a final against Spaniard Nadal or Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov, who meet in Friday's second semi-final. "It's real, I can really actually talk about a final, I've been dodging that bullet for the last few days," Federer said. "Rafa's given me the most problems in the game ... I'm probably Rafa's number one fan, I think his game is just tremendous. He's an incredible competitor. "I'm happy that we've had some epic battles over the years and of course it would be unreal to play him here." While Federer's preference seemed clear, he did not earn his reputation as one of the great gentlemen of sport without paying due respect to both of his potential opponents. "Dimitrov's got a very complete game. He can mix it up really well. He's very confident and you never want to play confident players, but it's him or Rafa," said Federer, laughing. "It's going to be tough either way."Both Federer and Nadal missed the back end of last season because of injury, the Swiss after his first ever knee surgery and Nadal because of a wrist injury. Federer said neither of them would have believed they would be potentially meeting in a grand slam final when they got together to open the Spaniard's academy in Mallorca just a few months ago. "I was on one leg, he had the wrist injury and we were playing some mini-tennis with some juniors and we said, 'That's the best we can do right now'," he said. "A few months later, we're potentially going to be in the final. I think it's been a very special tournament for both of us already." INJURY 'NO WORRY' Federer unusually took a medical timeout in his three-hour, five-minute battle with Wawrinka, saying he had been carrying an upper leg injury. He said he was not worried about it and nothing was going to stop him from taking to the court and fighting it out for a fifth Australian Open crown on Rod Laver Arena on Sunday. "I'll leave it all out here in Australia and if I can't walk for another five months, that's okay. I'll give it my best shot," he said. "It feels amazing. I never, ever in my wildest dreams thought I would come this far in Australia. I have a couple of days off. It's beautiful, I'm so happy." (Reuters)

Federer beats Wawrinka, enters Australian Open final

Seventeen-time grand slam winner and world number 17 Roger Federer outlasted Japan&#39;s Kei Nishikori in a titanic five-set battle to reach the 49th quarter-final of his career.

Federer, who is coming off six-month injury layoff, beat the world number 6-7 6-4 6-1 4-6 6-3 &nbsp;in Melbourne, Australia.

The 35-year-old will now play Andy Murray&#39;s conqueror Mischa Zverev.

The Swiss legend started the match slowly and withing some minutes into the match, he found himself trailing 0-4. Federer then levelled the match 5-5 before Nishikori struck a faultless backhand return to win the tie-break.

The next two sets were wrapped up by the former world number one in no time before Nishikori stepped up in the four by breaking the Swiss against the run of play to level the match.

But Nishikori aggravated his existing hip injury at the start of the fifth set and capitulated under Federer&#39;s relentless pressure.

Federer improved his five-set record to 25-20.

&quot;Kei&#39;s a tough customer. This is a huge win for me in my career,&quot;&nbsp;Federer&nbsp;said.&nbsp;

&quot;Kei will give you some looks, he&#39;s not the biggest server on tour but one of the greatest on the baseline.&quot;

Federer&nbsp;holds a career 2-0 record over Zverev, who pulled off a massive upset over world number one Andy Murray earlier on Sunday.

&quot;I would never have picked it, I like Mischa a lot and he has a nice game coming forward. It will be different,&quot;&nbsp;Federer&nbsp;said.

(WION with inputs from AFP)

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Roger Federer will play Zverev, who earlier stunned the sporting world by beating world number one Andy Murray

Seventeen-time grand slam winner and world number 17 Roger Federer outlasted Japan's Kei Nishikori in a titanic five-set battle to reach the 49th quarter-final of his career. Federer, who is coming off six-month injury layoff, beat the world number 6-7 6-4 6-1 4-6 6-3 in Melbourne, Australia. The 35-year-old will now play Andy Murray's conqueror Mischa Zverev. The Swiss legend started the match slowly and withing some minutes into the match, he found himself trailing 0-4. Federer then levelled the match 5-5 before Nishikori struck a faultless backhand return to win the tie-break. The next two sets were wrapped up by the former world number one in no time before Nishikori stepped up in the four by breaking the Swiss against the run of play to level the match. But Nishikori aggravated his existing hip injury at the start of the fifth set and capitulated under Federer's relentless pressure. Federer improved his five-set record to 25-20. "Kei's a tough customer. This is a huge win for me in my career," Federer said. "Kei will give you some looks, he's not the biggest server on tour but one of the greatest on the baseline." Federer holds a career 2-0 record over Zverev, who pulled off a massive upset over world number one Andy Murray earlier on Sunday. "I would never have picked it, I like Mischa a lot and he has a nice game coming forward. It will be different," Federer said. (WION with inputs from AFP)

Australian Open: Old warhorse Federer outlasts Nishikori in titanic five-set battle

Andy&nbsp;Murray&nbsp;saw off giant-killer Sam Querrey on Friday as he ramped up his bid for a first Australian Open title after the shock departure of six-time champion Novak Djokovic.

On a cool day in Melbourne, the men&#39;s number one and women&#39;s top seed Angelique Kerber both hit a hot patch of form as the final rounds beckoned.

Murray&nbsp;will have watched from the sidelines as second seed Djokovic, his conqueror in four Melbourne finals, suffered a stunning defeat to 117th-ranked Denis Istomin on Thursday.

Querrey also upset Djokovic at Wimbledon last year but&nbsp;Murray, made a knight in Britain&#39;s New Year honours, never looked like slipping on any banana skins in round three.

He put Querrey away 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 in just under two hours, winning 77 percent of points on his first serve and facing only three break points in a clinical display.

The Scot also showed no signs of discomfort in his right ankle, after he rolled it painfully during his second-round win over Andrey Rublev.

&quot;I felt better and better as the match went on in terms of my movement,&quot; he said. &quot;The ankle was a little sore and I was a little tentative at the start but it got better and better through the match.&quot;

Murray bats for Djokovic

Andy&nbsp;Murray&nbsp;on Friday downplayed Novak Djokovic&#39;s shock exit from the Australian Open and said it was &quot;unreasonable&quot; to expect to the Serb to maintain his dominance long-term.

The top seed was as surprised as anyone by Djokovic&#39;s defeat to 117th-ranked Denis Istomin in the second round, but he dismissed suggestions his rival was &quot;struggling&quot;.

&quot;I mean, struggling by the highest standards,&quot;&nbsp;Murray&nbsp;said, after he beat Sam Querrey&nbsp;6-4, 6-2, 6-4 to reach the fourth round.

Next up for&nbsp;Murray&nbsp;is an assignment with Mischa Zverev, the elder brother of highly-rated German teen Alexander who came through in four sets against Tunisia&#39;s Malek Jaziri.

The winner of that meeting will play either Roger Federer or Tomas Berdych, the old Grand Slam rivals who play the night match on Rod Laver Arena later.

Stan through to next round

Stan Wawrinka, the 2014 champion, survived a four-set tussle with Viktor Troicki 3-6, 6-2, 6-2, 7-6 (9/7) and now faces Italy&#39;s Andreas Seppi, who ousted Steve Darcis of Belgium.

Former finalist Jo-Wilfried Tsonga also came through in four sets against American Jack Sock and will play Briton Dan Evans, who beat Australia&#39;s Bernard Tomic 7-5, 7-6 (7/2), 7-6 (7/3).

In the women&#39;s draw, Kerber finally got into her stride with a 6-0, 6-4 destruction of Kristyna Pliskova, the 58th-ranked twin sister of Czech fifth seed Karolina.

The German defending champion was an early loser at both of her warm-up tournaments and was taken to three sets in unconvincing wins in round one and two.

But Kerber clicked into gear against Pliskova, winning in just 55 minutes to set up a last-16 clash with America&#39;s Coco Vandeweghe, who ousted Canadian starlet Eugenie Bouchard.

&quot;I&#39;m looking forward to the next one. Yeah, I think that I find my rhythm to the tournament now,&quot; Kerber said.

Svetlana Kuznetsova outlasted fellow veteran Jelena Jankovic&nbsp;6-4, 5-7, 9-7 and will next play fellow Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.

Venus Williams beat Duan Yingying 6-1, 6-0 to end Chinese involvement, earning a fourth-round match against German qualifier Mona Barthel, who overcame Australia&#39;s Ashleigh Barty in three sets.&nbsp;

(AFP)

In the women's section, defending champion Angelique Kerber finally came into her own as she beat Kristyna Pliskova in straight sets

Andy Murray saw off giant-killer Sam Querrey on Friday as he ramped up his bid for a first Australian Open title after the shock departure of six-time champion Novak Djokovic. On a cool day in Melbourne, the men's number one and women's top seed Angelique Kerber both hit a hot patch of form as the final rounds beckoned. Murray will have watched from the sidelines as second seed Djokovic, his conqueror in four Melbourne finals, suffered a stunning defeat to 117th-ranked Denis Istomin on Thursday. Querrey also upset Djokovic at Wimbledon last year but Murray, made a knight in Britain's New Year honours, never looked like slipping on any banana skins in round three. He put Querrey away 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 in just under two hours, winning 77 percent of points on his first serve and facing only three break points in a clinical display. The Scot also showed no signs of discomfort in his right ankle, after he rolled it painfully during his second-round win over Andrey Rublev. "I felt better and better as the match went on in terms of my movement," he said. "The ankle was a little sore and I was a little tentative at the start but it got better and better through the match." Murray bats for Djokovic Andy Murray on Friday downplayed Novak Djokovic's shock exit from the Australian Open and said it was "unreasonable" to expect to the Serb to maintain his dominance long-term. The top seed was as surprised as anyone by Djokovic's defeat to 117th-ranked Denis Istomin in the second round, but he dismissed suggestions his rival was "struggling". "I mean, struggling by the highest standards," Murray said, after he beat Sam Querrey 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 to reach the fourth round. Next up for Murray is an assignment with Mischa Zverev, the elder brother of highly-rated German teen Alexander who came through in four sets against Tunisia's Malek Jaziri. The winner of that meeting will play either Roger Federer or Tomas Berdych, the old Grand Slam rivals who play the night match on Rod Laver Arena later. Stan through to next round Stan Wawrinka, the 2014 champion, survived a four-set tussle with Viktor Troicki 3-6, 6-2, 6-2, 7-6 (9/7) and now faces Italy's Andreas Seppi, who ousted Steve Darcis of Belgium. Former finalist Jo-Wilfried Tsonga also came through in four sets against American Jack Sock and will play Briton Dan Evans, who beat Australia's Bernard Tomic 7-5, 7-6 (7/2), 7-6 (7/3). In the women's draw, Kerber finally got into her stride with a 6-0, 6-4 destruction of Kristyna Pliskova, the 58th-ranked twin sister of Czech fifth seed Karolina. The German defending champion was an early loser at both of her warm-up tournaments and was taken to three sets in unconvincing wins in round one and two. But Kerber clicked into gear against Pliskova, winning in just 55 minutes to set up a last-16 clash with America's Coco Vandeweghe, who ousted Canadian starlet Eugenie Bouchard. "I'm looking forward to the next one. Yeah, I think that I find my rhythm to the tournament now," Kerber said. Svetlana Kuznetsova outlasted fellow veteran Jelena Jankovic 6-4, 5-7, 9-7 and will next play fellow Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. Venus Williams beat Duan Yingying 6-1, 6-0 to end Chinese involvement, earning a fourth-round match against German qualifier Mona Barthel, who overcame Australia's Ashleigh Barty in three sets. (AFP)

Australian Open: Andy Murray, Stan Wawrinka march on to Round 4

Swiss world number three Roger Federer and Spanish world number four Rafael Nadal have joined Wimbledon champion Andy Murray to pull out of next week&#39;s Toronto Masters tennis tournament. 
 
Federer, a 17-times grand slam champion who won the Canadian stop in 2004 and 2006, said he needed more time off after his bid for a record-extending 18th grand slam title ended in the Wimbledon semi-finals earlier this month. 
 
&quot;Looking ahead, it is best for me that I take more time after Wimbledon. I look forward to coming back to Canada next year,&quot; the 34-year-old said.&nbsp; 
 
Federer will seek his third Olympic medal at next month&#39;s Rio Games. His competition, Wimbledon winner Andy Murray, too had said he would not defend his Rogers Cup title so he can rest before defending his Olympic singles crown in Rio, only a day before Federer&#39;s announcement. &nbsp;Nadal, who has 14 Grand Slam titles, has been out of action since pulling out of the French Open following his second-round match with a wrist injury, said he was not fit enough to return to competition. 
 
The 30-year-old Spaniard, a three-times winner of the Rogers Cup tournament that alternates each year between Toronto and Montreal, was only recently given clearance to compete in Rio despite not fulfilling the qualification criteria.&nbsp;&quot;I only started practicing a week ago after my wrist injury and I am not ready to play such an important event,&quot; said Nadal. 
 
That leaves Serbian world No.1 Novak Djokovic, who suffered a shock third-round defeat to American Sam Querrey at Wimbledon, as the only member of tennis &quot;&#39;big four&quot; taking part in the Toronto event which runs from July 25 to July 31.&nbsp;The &quot;big four&quot; are expected to take part in the Rio Olympic Games, which start on August 5. 
 
(Reuters)

The tennis stars join Wimbledon winner Andy Murray, citing the need to heal in advance of the Rio Olympics

Swiss world number three Roger Federer and Spanish world number four Rafael Nadal have joined Wimbledon champion Andy Murray to pull out of next week's Toronto Masters tennis tournament. Federer, a 17-times grand slam champion who won the Canadian stop in 2004 and 2006, said he needed more time off after his bid for a record-extending 18th grand slam title ended in the Wimbledon semi-finals earlier this month. "Looking ahead, it is best for me that I take more time after Wimbledon. I look forward to coming back to Canada next year," the 34-year-old said. Federer will seek his third Olympic medal at next month's Rio Games. His competition, Wimbledon winner Andy Murray, too had said he would not defend his Rogers Cup title so he can rest before defending his Olympic singles crown in Rio, only a day before Federer's announcement. Nadal, who has 14 Grand Slam titles, has been out of action since pulling out of the French Open following his second-round match with a wrist injury, said he was not fit enough to return to competition. The 30-year-old Spaniard, a three-times winner of the Rogers Cup tournament that alternates each year between Toronto and Montreal, was only recently given clearance to compete in Rio despite not fulfilling the qualification criteria. "I only started practicing a week ago after my wrist injury and I am not ready to play such an important event," said Nadal. That leaves Serbian world No.1 Novak Djokovic, who suffered a shock third-round defeat to American Sam Querrey at Wimbledon, as the only member of tennis "'big four" taking part in the Toronto event which runs from July 25 to July 31. The "big four" are expected to take part in the Rio Olympic Games, which start on August 5. (Reuters)

Federer and Nadal pull out of Toronto Masters tournament

Milos Raonic made Roger Federer feel his age at Wimbledon on Friday as the Canadian sharp-shooter bombarded Centre Court with a succession of 140 mph missiles to flatten the seven-time champion and reach his first grand slam final. 
 
Raonic appeared to be down and out as he trailed Federer by two-sets to one and 15-40 in the fifth game of the fourth set, but somehow he managed to cling on for a 6-3 6-7(3) 4-6 7-5 6-3 win, and became the first Canadian man to reach a major final. 
 
&quot;It&rsquo;s an incredible comeback for me,&quot; said the sixth seed, who will be seeking to win his first grasscourt title when he meets 2013 champion Andy Murray on Sunday in a repeat of last month&#39;s Queen&#39;s Club final.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;I was struggling throughout the third and fourth sets, he was playing some really good tennis and just on a little opening I managed to turn it around and finish it off in a great match.&nbsp;I showed a lot of emotion today, always positive, and that&rsquo;s what got me through. Mentally I had one of my best matches in my career and I think that&rsquo;s what made the biggest difference.&quot; 
 
Federer, who had survived a five-set thriller two days ago against Croatian Marin Cilic, added: &quot;He fought. He believed, like I did against Cilic. Credit to him for hanging in there.&quot; 
 
 
STAYING POWER 
The Swiss had come into the tournament with &quot;no idea&quot; about his own staying power as he had been forced to miss last month&#39;s French Open with a back injury. 
 
Some of those questions were answered when he recovered from two sets and three match points down to beat Cilic, but many pundits believed Raonic&#39;s younger limbs would deliver the knockout blow as two days was not enough for a 34-year-old&#39;s body to recover from such a taxing showdown. 
 
Yet, incredibly, it was Raonic, 25, who appeared to be heading for a second semi-final defeat in three years against Federer as the third seed surged ahead and earned two break points in the fifth game of the fourth set. 
 
Raonic kept his wits about him to save both, and he survived a third in the ninth game as his thunderbolt serve got him out of trouble again. 
 
When Federer moved to 40-0 in the 12th game, the contest was poised to enter a fourth-set tiebreak. But two days after the Swiss boldly stated that &quot;my second serve has always been there for me,it never lets me down&quot;, guess what? It let him down. 
 
Two successive double faults brought Raonic to deuce and while Federer saved two set points -- with an unreturnable serve and a volley winner, his luck ran out on the third. 
 
A blazing backhand passing shot had Raonic pumping his fists towards his support box as a shell-shocked Federer, who had come back from two sets and three match points down to beat Cilic on Wednesday, was left wondering how the set got away from him. 
 
&quot;Federer had it all going his way, but you couldn&#39;t script that this would go on and on,&quot; exclaimed Raonic&#39;s grasscourt mentor John McEnroe. 
 
MENTAL SCARS 
The 17-time grand slam champion, who was about to contest his 10th set in three days, called on the trainer to massage his aching limbs back to life, but it was the mental scars that could not be rubbed away. 
 
Four games into the final set, with the score at deuce, Federer rolled his left ankle as he lunged after a flying forehand winner from Raonic and found himself sprawled face down on his beloved turf. 
 
He lay still for what seemed an eternity before getting back to his feet and then slumped into his chair rather than heading for the baseline.&nbsp;The crowd started to chuckle, wondering if Federer was staging a sit-in protest, but in fact he had called on the trainer again to manipulate his left knee and leg. 
 
The Swiss, chasing a record-extending 11th appearance in the final, managed to save that break point but Raonic refused to let him off the hook and four points later the Canadian had the break for 3-1 as he ended a dazzling net exchange with a rasping crosscourt passing shot. 
 
From them on there only seemed to be one winner and, after firing down 23 aces, with his fastest serve being clocked at 144 mph, Raonic bagged a place in the final when Federer floated a tired forehand long to end the three hours 25 minutes duel. 
 
&quot;This one clearly hurts, because I could have had it. I was so, so, close,&quot; summed up Federer after coming off second best for the first time in 11 Wimbledon semi-final appearances. 
 
(Reuters)

Federer, the 17-time Grand Slam champion, rolled his ankle as the young Canadian fired down 23 aces

Milos Raonic made Roger Federer feel his age at Wimbledon on Friday as the Canadian sharp-shooter bombarded Centre Court with a succession of 140 mph missiles to flatten the seven-time champion and reach his first grand slam final. Raonic appeared to be down and out as he trailed Federer by two-sets to one and 15-40 in the fifth game of the fourth set, but somehow he managed to cling on for a 6-3 6-7(3) 4-6 7-5 6-3 win, and became the first Canadian man to reach a major final. "It’s an incredible comeback for me," said the sixth seed, who will be seeking to win his first grasscourt title when he meets 2013 champion Andy Murray on Sunday in a repeat of last month's Queen's Club final. "I was struggling throughout the third and fourth sets, he was playing some really good tennis and just on a little opening I managed to turn it around and finish it off in a great match. I showed a lot of emotion today, always positive, and that’s what got me through. Mentally I had one of my best matches in my career and I think that’s what made the biggest difference." Federer, who had survived a five-set thriller two days ago against Croatian Marin Cilic, added: "He fought. He believed, like I did against Cilic. Credit to him for hanging in there." STAYING POWER The Swiss had come into the tournament with "no idea" about his own staying power as he had been forced to miss last month's French Open with a back injury. Some of those questions were answered when he recovered from two sets and three match points down to beat Cilic, but many pundits believed Raonic's younger limbs would deliver the knockout blow as two days was not enough for a 34-year-old's body to recover from such a taxing showdown. Yet, incredibly, it was Raonic, 25, who appeared to be heading for a second semi-final defeat in three years against Federer as the third seed surged ahead and earned two break points in the fifth game of the fourth set. Raonic kept his wits about him to save both, and he survived a third in the ninth game as his thunderbolt serve got him out of trouble again. When Federer moved to 40-0 in the 12th game, the contest was poised to enter a fourth-set tiebreak. But two days after the Swiss boldly stated that "my second serve has always been there for me,it never lets me down", guess what? It let him down. Two successive double faults brought Raonic to deuce and while Federer saved two set points -- with an unreturnable serve and a volley winner, his luck ran out on the third. A blazing backhand passing shot had Raonic pumping his fists towards his support box as a shell-shocked Federer, who had come back from two sets and three match points down to beat Cilic on Wednesday, was left wondering how the set got away from him. "Federer had it all going his way, but you couldn't script that this would go on and on," exclaimed Raonic's grasscourt mentor John McEnroe. MENTAL SCARS The 17-time grand slam champion, who was about to contest his 10th set in three days, called on the trainer to massage his aching limbs back to life, but it was the mental scars that could not be rubbed away. Four games into the final set, with the score at deuce, Federer rolled his left ankle as he lunged after a flying forehand winner from Raonic and found himself sprawled face down on his beloved turf. He lay still for what seemed an eternity before getting back to his feet and then slumped into his chair rather than heading for the baseline. The crowd started to chuckle, wondering if Federer was staging a sit-in protest, but in fact he had called on the trainer again to manipulate his left knee and leg. The Swiss, chasing a record-extending 11th appearance in the final, managed to save that break point but Raonic refused to let him off the hook and four points later the Canadian had the break for 3-1 as he ended a dazzling net exchange with a rasping crosscourt passing shot. From them on there only seemed to be one winner and, after firing down 23 aces, with his fastest serve being clocked at 144 mph, Raonic bagged a place in the final when Federer floated a tired forehand long to end the three hours 25 minutes duel. "This one clearly hurts, because I could have had it. I was so, so, close," summed up Federer after coming off second best for the first time in 11 Wimbledon semi-final appearances. (Reuters)

Raonic ends Federer's run to reach first major final

Roger Federer&#39;s bid to win a ninth Halle Open title was ended in the semi-final on Saturday by German teenager Alexander Zverev. The 19-year-old defeated the 17-time Grand Slam champion 7-6(4) 5-7 6-3. 
 
Reigning champion Federer, on the comeback trail after back problems, was looking to reach the final of his traditional pre-Wimbledon tune-up in Germany for an unprecedented 11th time, but found the big-serving 19-year-old home favourite too formidable. 
 
The Swiss world number three had not lost to a teenager for nearly 10 years since the young Andy Murray beat him in Cincinnati in 2006, which gives an indication of Zverev&#39;s considerable potential. 
 
World number 38 Zverev, who had lost to Federer in their only previous meeting in May, dropped just four points on serve in the 39-minute opening set, blasting 14 winners as he took the tiebreak 7-4. 
 
Federer earned a break of serve at 5-5 with a beautiful dropshot in the second set to restore parity but Zverev, the son of a former Russian player with the same name, responded strongly to dethrone the reigning Halle champion. 
 
Zverev will meet the winner of the other semi between Austrian Dominic Thiem and German Florian Mayer. 
(Reuters)

The Swiss maestro lost to German teenager Alexander Zverev

Roger Federer's bid to win a ninth Halle Open title was ended in the semi-final on Saturday by German teenager Alexander Zverev. The 19-year-old defeated the 17-time Grand Slam champion 7-6(4) 5-7 6-3. Reigning champion Federer, on the comeback trail after back problems, was looking to reach the final of his traditional pre-Wimbledon tune-up in Germany for an unprecedented 11th time, but found the big-serving 19-year-old home favourite too formidable. The Swiss world number three had not lost to a teenager for nearly 10 years since the young Andy Murray beat him in Cincinnati in 2006, which gives an indication of Zverev's considerable potential. World number 38 Zverev, who had lost to Federer in their only previous meeting in May, dropped just four points on serve in the 39-minute opening set, blasting 14 winners as he took the tiebreak 7-4. Federer earned a break of serve at 5-5 with a beautiful dropshot in the second set to restore parity but Zverev, the son of a former Russian player with the same name, responded strongly to dethrone the reigning Halle champion. Zverev will meet the winner of the other semi between Austrian Dominic Thiem and German Florian Mayer. (Reuters)

Federer humbled in Halle

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