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Roger Federer cruises past Aljaz Bedene in first match of defence of Australian Open crown

Federer takes on Bedene in the first round - AFP
Federer takes on Bedene in the first round - AFP

9:59AM

Federer on his expectations for Aussie Open and beyond

I'm hoping for it to go well again. I don't know if it can go as well again. I'm a year older. Rafa is in tip top shape. Last year could have been my favourite year of my whole career. 

9:56AM

McEnroe interviews Federer

One legend speaks to another legend as McEnroe asks Federer just how on earth he moves around like he still does.

"A lot of vacations?" Federer retorts. 

 

9:55AM

Federer* 6-3, 6-4, 6-3 Bedene (*denotes next server)

A sloppy start from Bedene as he punches a groundstroke into the tape. The nerves are starting to show as he floats a volley well wide and turns away to shake his head in disbelief and annoyance. Another forehand error hands Federer three match points. This is a meek surrender from Bedene at the death. He saves the first with a clinical serve-volley. Federer looks to have taken it on the second with a flashing service return winner but it's just out. Much to the disappointment of the crowd. No worries, he has a third and finally takes it when Bedene dumps a backhand into the net. Federer wins after an hour and 39 minutes on court. FEDERER BEATS BEDENE 6-3, 6-4, 6-3

9:52AM

Federer 6-3, 6-4, 5-3 Bedene* (*denotes next server)

Bedene floats a service return winner into the corner for a mini-break on Federer's serve but it's a brief flirtation with a break point again as Federer turns the screw. Federer focuses on Bedene's backhand again and catches his rival out on the baseline as he notches up four straight points.

9:48AM

Federer* 6-3, 6-4, 4-3 Bedene (*denotes next server)

Bedene hasn't given up the fight yet as a great pick up on the baseline lands flush at the back of Federer's half and draws the applause from the crowd on Rod Laver Arena. Another sublime backhand winner with Federer arching his back draws Bedene back to 30-all but the former Briton isn't going to hand Federer another easy break. Despite Federer continuing to demonstrate his delightful backhand, Bedene does enough to hang tough, striking a forehand winner and then drawing a Fed error to move to within a game in this set again.

Bedene tries to take the fight to Federer - Credit: AP
Bedene tries to take the fight to Federer Credit: AP

 

9:44AM

Federer 6-3, 6-4, 4-2 Bedene* (*denotes next server)

Federer is up to 30 on the unforced errors count compared to Bedene's 19 as the Slovenian senses an opening at 30-all. He has that feeling again at deuce courtesy of a looping backhand winner inside the line. A zip on a forehand catches Bedene out on the baseline and he strikes long and the chance is gone.

9:39AM

Federer* 6-3, 6-4, 3-2 Bedene (*denotes next server)

Federer's backhand is on a par with his forehand following that 2016 hiatus and he demonstrates the full beauty of it with a glorious winner from a low position. Bedene holds when Federer steps in to punish a short ball but strikes the net instead to give the Slovenian a let off.

Over on Court 13 and Heather Watson has dropped the opening set of her clash with Yulia Putintseva. Garbine Muguruza, though, is safely through.

9:36AM

Federer 6-3, 6-4, 3-1 Bedene* (*denotes next server)

Federer in the groove now as he rattles through the points. Bedene offers a brief smile after squeezing a backhand winner across court before Federer resumes normal service. Bedene hasn't won a first-round match at the Aussie Open in his career. He doesn't look like changing that record any time soon.

9:33AM

Federer* 6-3, 6-4, 2-1 Bedene (*denotes next server)

Oh dear. For all of Bedene's second set and early third set promise, he's now staring at two break points as he dumps a regulation forehand into the net. Federer focuses on Bedene's backhand, trying to draw the winner. But he goes for one shot across court too many and instead draws the error from his own backhand wing. Not to worry, Federer has another chance and this time he takes it with a flashing forehand down the line. One-way traffic from this point onwards? FEDERER BREAKS.

Federer's pink trainers - Credit: Getty Images
Federer's pink trainers catch the eye Credit: Getty Images

 

9:28AM

Federer 6-3, 6-4, 1-1 Bedene* (*denotes next server)

Federer puts his foot back on the accelerator, racing to a 30-0 start before Bedene has blinked. He's reeled in with a couple of sloppy first serves and an over-egged forehand on the chase and from a position of control, now Bedene senses an opening. 

Federer rushes the net to force Bedene to pass and the Slovenian can't. A solid first serve sets Federer up nicely on the net and he punches away a forehand to get on the board this set.

9:25AM

Federer* 6-3, 6-4, 0-1 Bedene (*denotes next server)

Bedene missing quite a few first serves at start of third set but steers his way to game to lead a set for the first time this match.

9:21AM

Federer 6-3, 6-4 Bedene* (*denotes next server)

Federer is human after all as he gets caught in two minds and dumps a poorly-executed drop shot into the net despite having ample time. It really doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things as he smashes a volley home from close quarters two points later for set point No 4. This time he takes it with an outswinging first serve which Bedene gets his racket head on but it flies wide. FEDERER TAKES SECOND SET.

9:17AM

Federer* 6-3, 5-4 Bedene (*denotes next server)

Nervy times now for Bedene as he's pulled from side-to-side and faces two set points. He saves the first with a decent first serve out wide. Federer turns his back and sticks out his racket more in hope than placement on the next one. It lands back in the court but Bedene mops up with a smash. Federer brings up a third set point by stepping into a short return and striking a forehand into the corner. A pacey first serve brings Bedene back to deuce and he stands up well to another lengthy rally by catching Federer out on the baseline. Bedene finally holds having saved those three set points but now has to break to stay in the second set. 

9:12AM

Federer 6-3, 5-3 Bedene* (*denotes next server)

Bedene is standing quite far behind the baseline for Federer's serve and it's given the Swiss a chance to often rush the net. When Bedene is able to engage in a longer rally, he gives himself every chance of winning the point. A lengthy 16-shot rally ends in Bedene's favour when the Slovenian steps inside and whips a forehand winner across court. Federer denies Bedene with an ace outwide and Federer is a game from a two sets lead.

9:07AM

Federer* 6-3, 4-3 Bedene (*denotes next server)

The crowd starting to get behind Bedene now as he pushes Federer from corner to corner for 30-0. The world No 2 isn't having everything go his way this set as Bedene continues to grow in confidence and impact.

9:05AM

Federer 6-3, 4-2 Bedene* (*denotes next server)

Federer is keeping the points short, serve-volleying when the opportunity presents it and not allowing Bedene any wriggle room. Normal service looks to be resumed only for a double fault to gift Bedene a point. The Slovenian then flashes a superb forehand winner past an outstretched Federer at the net. He can't repeat the feat during the next rally, mind.

9:01AM

Federer* 6-3, 3-2 Bedene (*denotes next server)

Federer appears to be saving a bit of energy now as he slaps and misses at a couple of backhands. He's dropped his SABR to sit back for a serve or two safe in the knowledge he still has that break in the bank. Just as I type though and Federer is all over a slower second serve and thumps a return straight back down the throat of Bedene. The Slovenian lifts his game again and bends a beautiful forehand down the line for game.

8:57AM

Federer 6-3, 3-1 Bedene* (*denotes next server)

Bedene opens up well this game forcing his way from a seemingly desperate situation by pulling out a cracker of a return which Federer can't lift over the net from close quarters. It sets him on his way to an incredible two break points. He can't get enough on a first serve from Federer as the first flashes by while Federer puts him back in his box by whipping a forehand winner into the corner for deuce. Bedene pats his racket in appreciation. Four straight points and normal service is resumed. That was better from Bedene. Federer actually had a bead of sweat on his forehead that game.

8:52AM

Federer* 6-3, 2-1 Bedene (*denotes next server)

Even when Bedene tries to match Federer groundstroke-for-groundstroke there's only one winner as the 19-time major winner forces his rival to blink first. Bedene doesn't lose his focus and edges to game point, taking it when Federer strikes a second serve long. 

Bedene chases down a Federer return - Credit: AP
Bedene chases down a Federer return Credit: AP

 

8:48AM

Federer 6-3, 2-0 Bedene* (*denotes next server)

Federer always likes to rush through his early matches at most slams but this is quite something. He's rushing the net at any opportunity. He drops his first point off his serve this set when Bedene takes advantage of a flick off the net, but it's only a consolation. 

8:46AM

Federer* 6-3, 1-0 Bedene (*denotes next server)

Federer looks supremely crisp in his all-white T-shirt and shorts which is only broken by one black and one pink stripe. Federer continues to step into Bedene's serve and rushing his rival. He races to two break points and backs up a SABR with a slum-dunk at the net. Boom. Bedene isn't playing badly but hasn't been given a second to breathe. FEDERER BREAKS.

8:42AM

Federer 6-3 Bedene* (*denotes next server)

Federer races to three set point and takes it when he steps into a short return and drills a forehand into the deuce court. He takes the first set after just 26 minutes. FEDERER WINS FIRST SET.

8:40AM

Federer* 5-3 Bedene (*denotes next server)

We now have live pictures of Federer after Kvitova, a two-times major winner has been dumped out of the tournament with defeat to Petkovic. Wow. She was one of two tips I had in the women's draw along with CoCo Vandeweghe who also departed first-round. What do I know?

Back to this match and Federer is striking his returns earlier, trying to catch Bedene cold but four unforced errors hand his rival an easy hold.

8:36AM

Federer 5-2 Bedene* (*denotes next server)

But wait. What's this. Bedene has finally taken a point off Federer's serve after the Swiss won 13 straight points. Federer is a man in a hurry out there. It's just a blip as he wraps up the game with another ace.

Federer gets down low to make a return - Credit: AP
Federer gets down low to make a return Credit: AP

 

8:35AM

Federer* 4-2 Bedene (*denotes next server)

Bedene hasn't been playing badly and recovers well from dropping his last serve to reduce the deficit this set.

8:31AM

Federer 4-1 Bedene* (*denotes next server)

Federer has great rhythm on his service game. A second serve ace sets him on the way to another love game. He focuses on Bedene's backhand, pinning him into the corner and he backs up the break with another comfortable hold. He's still yet to drop a point on serve.

8:29AM

Federer* 3-1 Bedene (*denotes next server)

Ooh er, tricky times for Bedene. The first break points forced by Federer of the match. Bedene saves the first with a solid first serve down the T which Federer gets a racket head on but can't control. Bedene shows great defensive work during the next point to draw a backhand error from Federer and levels at deuce.

Another break point chance goes begging as Bedene's confidence levels start to grow. He's looking calm and relaxed in his surroundings. But Federer doesn't let up and finally breaks with a forehand winner down the line. FEDERER BREAKS.

8:22AM

Federer 2-1 Bedene* (*denotes next server)

Another hold to love for Federer and the Swiss hasn't dropped a point on his serve as yet as they head to their chairs. 

8:20AM

Federer* 1-1 Bedene (*denotes next server)

Federer pushes Bedene in the Slovenian's first service game, pushing him to 40-30 but then hits an unforced error to hand his opponent the game. Eurosport assure us they'll move on to Fed once Kvitova's clash with Petkovic is over. They are locked seven-all in the decider. That could be some time yet.

8:18AM

Federer 1-0 Bedene* (*denotes next server)

A straightforward opening game for the defending champion to love and we're up and running here. Still no sign of live pictures though. 

8:15AM

The players are out on Rod Laver

Federer and Bedene are going through their warm-ups on Rod Laver Arena but currently we don't have any live pictures on Eurosport as they continue to show Pliskova vs Radwanska and Petkovic against Kvitova which is now into a third-set sudden death scenario. 

 

8:04AM

Stan through but Raonic falls by the wayside

There had been a bigger question mark over whether Stan Wawrinka would survive his first match since Wimbledon but the three-time major winner overcame a tricky patch against Ricardas Berankis to win in three.

Wawrinka had pulled out of warm-up events in Australia including the Tiebreak Tens exhibition event leading up to doubts over his fitness and recovery from a knee injury.

However he battled well to record a 6-3, 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (7/2) win.

Fourth seed Alexander Zverev was a straight-sets winner over Thomas Fabbiano but was pushed hard in the second and third set of his 6-1, 7-6, (7/5) 7-5 victory.

But 22nd seed Milos Raonic became one of the biggest casualties of the day as he was beaten 6-7 (5/7), 7-5, 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) by Lukas Lacko.

Raonic, a semi-finalist and quarter-finalist in the last two years, was another player coming back from an injury-ravaged 2017 but, unlike Djokovic and Wawrinka, he was unable to find a way through.

Dark horse David Goffin looked to be in trouble at a set and a break down against Matthias Bachinger but recovered to win 6-7, (3/7) 6-3, 6-2, 6-4.

7:40AM

No problems for Novak

One former champion has already breezed into the next round with Novak Djokovic coming through his first-round against Donald Young unscathed.

Despite question marks over his fitness and the state of his right elbow heading into Melbourne, the six-time champion Djokovic was brimming full of confidence and looked in good touch during his straight sets victory.

It's the first competitive match he's played since Wimbledon last year where his elbow issue first flared up.

Djokovic himself was cautious about his fitness on the eve of the tournament and wore a compression sleeve but there were no signs of rust as he eased to a 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 victory over American Young.

Djokovic looks to the sky - Credit: Getty Images
Djokovic looks to the sky after overcoming Young in straight sets Credit: Getty Images

 

7:32AM

Fed time

Morning all. I'll be bringing you coverage of Roger Federer's opening match of the defence of his Australian Open crown when he takes to the court just after 8am GMT to face former Briton Aljaz Bedene. 

It's the inaugural meeting between the two and will be the first slam Bedene competes under the Slovenian flag again following his deflection at the back end of 2017.

Federer is favourite to clinch a record 20th grand slam title in Australia but in the build up has been busily trying to play down that tag.

"With age, I feel like I play down my chances just because I don't think a 36-year-old should be a favourite of a tournament. It should not be the case," he said.

"That's why I see things more relaxed, you know, at a later stage of my career."

Nice try Roge, but you're not fooling anyone.

Already this morning one bona fide Briton has joined Kyle Edmund in the second round of the draw. The ninth-seeded Johanna Konta saw off Madison Brengle in just 66 minutes, dropping just four games along the way.