Federer fight tips in the balance

Defending champion Roger Federer survived an epic third-round encounter in the Australian Open today with a 6-7 (5/7) 7-6 (7/1) 5-7 6-1 10-8 win over Janko Tipsarevic.

The world number one, who has not lost in Melbourne since defeat to Marat Safin in the semi-finals three years ago, appeared to be heading for a shock early exit as a foot injury and a red-hot opponent threatened to derail his bid for a third successive title.