Third seeded Roger Federer will look to continue his winning run when he takes on Taylor Fritz in their third round match at the 2019 Australian Open.
Watch & bet on Roger Federer v Taylor Fritz live with bet365 here* on Friday, January 18. The Federer v Fritz match timings will be announced soon.
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Defending champion Roger Federer had a tougher than excepted second round match at the 2019 Australian Open, against British player Dan Evans. Federer was challenged in the first 2 sets, finally winning 7-6 (5), 7-6(3), 6-3.
As he mentioned later, Federer was not able to get off the blocks as quickly as he may have liked, and Evans played freely, matching Federer for most of the first 2 sets. Both players had significantly more winners than errors, with Evans mixing his sliced backhand and heavy forehand, regularly, to challenge the Swiss.
The first set was on serve, and in the tiebreak, Evans had chances to close out the set, but a couple of errant forehand volleys gave the Swiss the opportunity to serve out the tiebreak.
Federer got ahead early in the second set and even had chances to close the set with a double break, but was unable to convert, followed bv Evans breaking back to take it to another tiebreak. The Swiss was the better player in the second tiebreak, and followed it with a single break early in the third, that was adequate for a straight sets win.
There were moments of Federer brilliance, but the Swiss was not as much in control, or as fluent as he is known to be. It was a gutsy performance from Evans, returning from his drug ban, and one that he will be very proud of.
Federer’s next opponent is rising American Taylor Fritz.
Fritz: Can the American Pull off his Biggest Career Win?
Taylor Fritz, although only 21, has been on the professional circuit since 2016. He has made it to the third round of the Australian Open, beating British player Cameron Noorie, and then an impressive four-set win against Frenchman Gael Monfils, seeded 30th.
After playing on the challenger circuit, Fritz has been on the tour since late 2015, surging into the top 100 in 2017, and top 50 in 2018.
Fritz has a strong serve and solid groundstrokes off both wings. He has impressed with his ability to hit angular cross-court shots. Fritz has reached a career high ranking of 47 and is currently world number 50. Fritz currently works with Paul Annacone, who is Roger Federer’s former coach.
Federer v Fritz – Head to Head
Roger Federer and Taylor Fritz have met once on the ATP circuit, at the 2016 ATP 250 tournament in Stuttgart. Federer won that in three close sets.
Federer v Fritz – Who Will Win?
While Fritz has the powerful serve, and groundstrokes to pose a challenge sterner than Istomin or Evans, it is unlikely that Fritz can outlast Federer in a best of five set battle.
Coming off of an indifferent performance, Federer will be eager for a more sound performance, and one can expect that from him. A strong challenge by Fritz is possible, but Federer is expected to win in three tight sets.
You can watch & bet on Roger Federer v Taylor Fritz live with bet365 here on Friday, January 18.
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