Federer sets up Djokovic clash

Defending champion Roger Federer today cruised into the fourth round of the Australian Open with a 6-3 6-3 7-6 victory over Russia’s Mikhail Youzhny.

The top seed, yet to drop a set in the tournament, took just over two hours to dispose of the 25th seed at the Rod Laver Arena.

Federer squandered three match points during the third-set tie break but closed out the match at the fourth attempt to continue his march in Melbourne.

Federer will meet 14th seed Novak Djokovic in the fourth round after the Serbian downed Thailand’s Danai Udonchoke 6-3 6-4 5-7 6-1.

The 19-year-old Djokovic insists he will approach playing the world number one in a positive frame of mind.

“If I go with the white flag on the court, what am I doing here?” he said.

“I have nine wins in a row now, but that doesn’t mean if I play Federer that I’m going to stop here, that I’m already giving up.

“I will do everything to win. I’m going to be motivated, that’s for sure.”

Also advancing was American Mardy Fish, who went through after Australia’s Wayne Arthurs retired from their third match while trailing 3-0 in the opening set.

The home favourite left the court in tears to a standing ovation.