Federer winds back the clock with brutal Berdych blitz

The Roger Federer of old was on display at Melbourne Park on Friday night as the Swiss Maestro swept past Tomas Berdych and into the round of 16.

World No.10 Berdych was completely wiped off the court by a vintage Federer display, Roger winning 6-2, 6-4, 6-4 in 90 minutes.

The dominant display will surely be a warning to Federer's rivals, who is returning to grand slam tennis for the first time after a six-moth layoff.

Federer cast aside any doubts over his form or fitness with a clinical demolition of Berdych.

The majesty of Federer's all-round game was on full display on Rod Laver Arena.

What was supposed to be the real test of Federer's first official tournament since last year's Wimbledon more closely resembled a walkover.

Image: Getty

Such was his dominance, a magical 18th major title cannot be discounted.

His route to a final is arduous - next comes fifth seed Kei Nishikori, with world no.1 Andy Murray lurking as a possible quarter-final opponent.

Berdych found himself laughing at some of Federer's groundstrokes as they sailed past.

Federer was two sets up inside the hour mark without facing a break point on his dominant serve.

He wouldn't all night, winning 39 of 41 points when his first serve landed.

"I couldn't be happier right now," he said.

"I felt like I struggled in the early rounds but today was different. It was unbelievable and I did surprise myself."

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