Australian Open: Roger Federer clinches five-set marathon against Kei Nishikori to secure quarterfinal berth

Swiss tennis ace Roger Federer overcame a spirited challenge from 5th seed Kei Nishikori to win his fourth round encounter and breeze into the quarterfinals of the Australian Open at Rod Laver Arena on Sunday.Federer sealed the five set slug fest 6-7 (7-4), 6-4,6-1,4-6, 6-3.

It wasn't a roll in the part for Federer as he was made to work hard by his Japanese opponent for every point in the marathon clash.

A vintage RF performance...#AusOpen https://t.co/NDiD7YIvvv

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 22, 2017

 

Nishikori started the match well by winning a close tie break in the first set. The Swiss ace made an emphatic comeback by winning the next two sets with relative ease. The Japanese did not surrender easily as he won the fourth set to take the match into the fifth and final set.

 

#Federer through to the quarterfinals! #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/Trk7Oto2q9

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 22, 2017

Federer showcased all his class and experience to win the final set 6-3 and seal the match. Federer shall now take Germany's M Zverev in the quarterfinals. Zverev has been hogging all the limelight after stunning World number one Andy Murray in his quarterfinal clash.