Struff wins over Fededer in incredible rally

Jan-Lennard Struff has earned a smile from Roger Federer and a massive ovation from the crowd in an epic rally with the Swiss legend.

The 55th-ranked German put up an impressive fight against the World No.2 on Thursday night, but couldn't make a dent in Federer's world class game.

FED IN FINE FORM: Roger serves up a storm in dominant victory

However Struff won one of the rallies of the tournament so far, stunning his legendary opponent in the process.

Early in the second set the two combatants engaged in a 24-shot rally that had the Rod Laver Arena crowd on their feet.

Both men seemed to stop at one stage, both assuming they'd won the point, before Struff produced a brilliant lunging winner that Federer couldn't get back.

"What a point!" Todd Woodbridge said in commentary as Struff revved up the crowd with a massive fist pump.

As for Federer, the Swiss Maestro couldn't help but applaud the brilliant effort and smile at the crowd's reaction.

The 19-time grand slam champion was in vintage form in the second round clash, pulling off an amazing round-the-net winner in the early exchanges.

He also very nearly took Struff's head off with a brutal backhand that showed the German he was in for a torrid evening.