Federer, Djokovic into last 16 in Melbourne

World number one to face home favourite Hewitt in next round in Melbourne

World number one Roger Federer marched into the last 16 of the Australian Open with an emphatic victory over Albert Montanes.

The Swiss ace eased to a 6-3 6-4 6-4 victory over the 31st seed.

Federer broke his opponent in each of the three sets and didn’t have to defend any break points on his own serve. The three-time Australian Open champion will now face home favourite Lleyton Hewitt in the next round.

Hewitt overcame former finalist Marcos Baghdatis after Cypriot was forced to retire mid-way through the second set with a shoulder injury. His Australian opponent was leading 6-0 4-2.

Federer is in pursuit of his 16th career Grand Slam, but will need to overcome an in-form Hewitt who has the advantage of support from a raucous home crowd.

Speaking to the media after the match Federer said: “I feel good, I feel confident. Physically I’m fine and fresh and that’s how you want to feel going into the second week.”

Elsewhere Novak Djokovic sealed his place in the fourth round earlier today. He highlighted his title credentials as he demolished Denis Istomin 6-1 6-2 6-1.

“At some stage in the tournament you want to have a straight sets win, an easy win, so you can get fast off the court and try to save all the energy as much as you can for the upcoming challenges, which are obviously going to be more difficult,” said Djokovic.

Awaiting the Serbian in the next round is Lukasz Kubot from Poland.

In addition Nikolay Davdydenko and Fernando Verdasco also both secured their passage into the last 16.