Duo ease into round four
January 20, 2012 13:42:03 UK
Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer eased through to the last 16 of the Australian Open without dropping a set in their third-round clashes.
Nadal took less than two hours to dispose of qualifier Lukas Lacko 6-2 6-4 6-2 and will next take on the 18th seed Feliciano Lopez. The Spaniard looked back to his best on occasions in an impressive display and is happy with his progress in the tournament, which he is 2.37 to win.
Being in round four without losing a set is fantastic.
Rafael Nadal
"The body is fine, I'm very happy to be in the fourth round," said the second seed.
"It was a really complete, solid match and I'm very happy about my game. Being in round four without losing a set is fantastic."
Nadal was followed on the Rod Laver Arena by Roger Federer, who faced a more difficult task against 6ft 10in Croatian Ivo Karlovic. However, he came through in two hours 17 minutes 7-6 (8-6) 7-5 6-3 and will play the winner of the Alexandr Dolgopolov-Bernard Tomic match in round four.
"I knew it would be tough," said the 16-time Grand Slam champion, who is 1001.00 to triumph in Melbourne. "I've played him 10 times on tour and knew it could come down to a few points here and there.
"I needed a bit of luck too, especially in the tie-break. I definitely got fortunate but I got better as (the) match went on."
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