Australian Open 2019: Roger Federer battles past Dan Evans
Defending champion Roger Federer battled past Britain's Dan Evans in an entertaining Australian Open 2019 second round encounter. The 20-time Grand Slam winner was tested in a 7-6, 7-6, 6-3 victory. Federer impressed one and all with his shot-making. The Swiss maestro will be up against American Taylor Fritz in the third round. Here's more.
This was Federer's 16th straight win at the Australian Open. The veteran tennis star was impressed with Evans. After the duel he went on to praise his opponent. "He played very well. It was hard to pull away, to his credit. I thought I played well," said Federer. "It felt like playing in a mirror a little bit. That was the mindset I had."
Meanwhile, men's singles fifth seed Kevin Anderson crashed out of the Australian Open. The Wimbledon 2018 finalist was beaten by Frances Tiafoe. Tiafoe won the battle 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 in four sets. The world number 39 booked a third round berth in Melbourne for the first time in his career. Elsewhere, Marin Cilic beat Mackenzie McDonald 7-5, 6-7, 6-4, 6-4.
Women's singles defending champion Caroline Wozniacki secured a berth in the third round after beating Johanna Larsson. Wozniacki won her match 6-1, 6-3 in a routine fashion. US Open 2017 winner Sloane Stephens beat Timea Babos 6-3, 6-1. Stephens will face 31st seed Petra Martic next. "I knew I had to be patient, her serve is ridiculously good," said Stephens after her victory.
