Roger Federeer

Roger Federer returned to his vintage best to set up a quarter-final meeting with Andy Murray after overcoming Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in straight sets at the Australian Open.

Federer prevailed 6-3 7-5 6-4 over Tsonga to reach the quarter-final in Melbourne for an 11<sup>th consecutive year and will face Murray on Wednesday for a place in the last four.

Despite beating Federer at Roland Garros last year, Tsonga couldn't get close to the 17-time grand slam champion who produced his most impressive showing of the championship and provided evidence he can be a threat in among an all-star last eight in the men's draw.

"It's been a different type of tournament," says Federer.

"It's been fun, it's been a good ride. I thought I played really well tonight. You've got to bring your best game [against Tsonga], because he dictates play a lot. I think I did a good job dictating play.

"Jo does that to you, he makes you play aggressive, because if you don't he will. I thought the tactics worked well tonight. We spoke about it before the match. I don't go to matches unprepared before like I used to."

The Swiss wasted little time getting into his stride in the first set, breaking Tsonga in the first game to claim a 3-0 lead before serving it out in double quick time.

The second set saw an improvement from Tsonga but the 11<sup>th game saw Federer grab the crucial break before securing a two-set lead.

And if the Frenchman had hoped to prey upon a jaded Federer, 32, as the match reached a third set he was to be disappointed as the four-time champion in Australia clinched a break as he closed in on victory.

The extent of Tsonga's frustration saw him fire a ball into the crowd after gifting Federer three further break points and although the 2008 finalist eventually held serve, it only delayed the inevitable.

Federer will now face Murray in the quarter-final, with the Wimbledon champion the marginal favourite having won three of the pair's last four meetings including last year's semi-final.

Roger Federer