Bernard Tomic Sets Up Federer Clash

Bernard Tomic kept home hopes alive as he came through a mammoth five set clash with Alexandr Dolgopolov.

And for his efforts he had been rewarded with a fourth round clash with world number three Roger Federer.

Despite having an early break in the opening set Tomic surrendered it to his opponent, Dolgopolov taking full advantage of his generosity as he took the opening set 4-6.

Into the second and Tomic failed to keep hold of another break of serve and a tie break was required to decide the destination of the second set.

And it was the young Aussie who picked up the pace as he took it 7-4, much to the delight of the packed Rod Laver Arena.

The excitement reached fever pitch at the end of the third as another tie break was required as Tomic once again prevailed to edge ahead.

At the beginning of the fourth Dolgopolov looked to be struggling with his movement and he called for a medical time out.

He appeared rejuvenated after his treatment and he quickly took control of the set as he broke the Tomic serve.

He took four games on the bounce to seal the fourth set and push the match into a fifth and deciding set - the momentum looked with the higher ranked player.

But Tomic dug deep and he made his move in the fourth game as he broke the Dolgopolov serve - he was able to hold on and wrapped up a  4-6, 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (8-6), 2-6, 6-3 victory.

There were also wins today for seventh seed Tomas Berdych as he saw off the big hitting South African Kevin Anderson.

The first two sets were a tight affair but Berdych looked well and truly in control as he stormed through the second set breaker 7-1 to lead 2-0.

Into the third set and the Anderson challenger faded away as Berdych sealed the win 7-6 (7-5) 7-6 (7-1) 6-1.

He will now face Nicolas Almagro as she beat Stanislas Wawrinka in straight sets 7-6 (7-2) 6-2 6-4.

FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw