Federer makes quarterfinals down under

Roger Federer stayed on track for a 14th grand slam title on Sunday, defeating Tomas Berdych at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne.

The Swiss star recovered from a two-set deficit against the 20th-seeded Czech to finish the match with a score of 4-6, 6-7(4), 6-4, 6-4. 6-2.

It was only the fourth career comeback from two sets down and placed the world’s second-ranked player in the quarterfinals.

“You’ve got to hang in there, there’s no other solution,” Federer said.” …Tried to weather the storm. He was hitting the ball so heavy and so hard. He pushed me to the limit.”

After being pummelled by Berdych’s powerful forehands in the first two sets, Federer started finding his range and rallied in the third set.

Federer led 4-0 in the fifth but serving at 5-2, nervously squandered double match point then double-faulted to give Berdych a break chance.

Federer forced deuce, fired back-to-back aces, and then leapt in the air.

“I enjoy those kind of fights. It doesn’t happen all the time. It’s always special,” he said. “I hope it’s a good omen. I feel like I could play a couple more sets, so that’s a good sign.”

The win puts him up against eighth-ranked Juan Martin del Motro of Argentina.

Federer has won 13 grand slam singles titles, including three Australian Open titles. His overall record is one short of that held by Pete Sampras of the United States.