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Federer serves up a storm in dominant victory

Roger Federer's serving prowess was on full display as he stormed into the third round of the Australian Open.

The World No.2 had his serve broken just once on Thursday night as he saw off a gallant Jan-Lennard Struff 6-4, 6-4, 7-6.

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The Swiss legend didn't face a single break point through the first two sets, but his German opponent didn't embarrass himself, managing to take 16 games off the 19-time grand slam champion.

Federer in fine form. Image: Getty
Federer in fine form. Image: Getty

Struff even won over his legendary opponent with a brilliant winner in the second set.

Struff and Federer had the Rod Laver Arena on their feet in an epic 24-shot rally, until the German got the better of Federer, who couldn't help but crack a smile.

Gunning for his sixth Open crown and 20th major, Federer will now take on French veteran Richard Gasquet.

"I knew about him going in. I've practised with him, played singles and doubles against him too so you have the information you need," Federer said of his German opponent.

"You know he can serve 215-220 km/h no problem for five hours, that's what you are ready for and I knew he was going to go for his shots.

"So the focus was on me protecting my serve as well as I can and try to get a service break either by good defence or maybe he helps me out a little bit, and I think it was a bit of both."

Federer improved his Australian Open record to 89-13.

The Swiss legend broke Struff's serve three times, made 36 winners and just 22 unforced errors.

Federer said he was looking forward to playing long-time rival Gasquet.

"He has one of the best one-handed backhanders in the game, so I love playing the guy, he has great variation and moves to net, and he's a little old school and we've had some good matches over the years," Federer said.

Gasquet beat Italy's Lorenzo Sonego 6-2, 6-2, 6-3 to book his place in the next round.

with agencies