Federer burns next opponent in accidental snub
A cheeky burn and an accidental snub has given Roger Federer's next opponent, Tomas Berdych, even more motivation to beat him at the Australian Open.
The Swiss maestro had just beaten Marton Fucsovics 6-4 7-6 6-2 to storm into the quarter-finals on Monday afternoon.
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Channel 7 commentator Jim Courier was chatting to Federer about the match when he asked what it was like to play alongside great rival Rafael Nadal in last year's Laver Cup.
The Swiss was part of the successful six-man European team that also contained Marin Cilic, Alexander Zverev, Dominic Thiem and surprise surprise, Federer's next Australian Open opponent.
The 19-time grand slam champion spoke of the privilege of competing with Nadal, before going through the names of most of his other teammates.
"I'm sure I'm forgetting someone," Federer confessed.
"Well now that you mention it, your next opponent is the one you forgot," Courier added.
A sheepish Federer soon realised his error before trying to smooth over the accidental snub.
"We had a great team and it was great because it was Tomas' home country if you like and now I gotta play him," Federer said.
Then the Swiss, in his trademark manner, whacked Berdych with a delightfully forthright comment.
"It's nice to see him back and we had a good match, or I had a good match in the third round against him last year.
"So I'm sure he wants to now do it the other way round and make me pay for that one."
Federer steamrolled Berdych 6-2 6-4 6-4 in their round of 32 match in the 2017 Australian Open and was obviously keen to remind his "good friend."
Berdych had earlier frozen up in a hilarious interview fail as the prospect of coming up against Federer again dawned on him.
Berdych overcame Italian Fabio Fognini in an ill-tempered fourth round clash 6-1 6-4 6-4 to progress to the last eight at Melbourne Park earlier on Monday.
The Czech was being interviewed about his win when one of the questions turned to his next match.
"Your next opponent will come from the match next on Rod Laver Arena, Marton Fucsovics or Roger Federer," commentator Ian Cohen said.
"I like your optimism," Berdych laughed before the realisation sunk in that it would inevitably be another meeting against the Swiss great.
The prospect was so daunting for Berdych that he froze up mid-sentence.
"Alright, what to say? How many times is it going to be? I don't know what I'm talking about," the clearly rattled Czech added before regaining his composure.
It's no surprise that the thought of Federer would give Berdych the jitters - the Swiss maestro holds a 19-6 career record against the 19th seed, including four wins out of four between the pair at the Australian Open.