FAIRYTALE RETURN CONTINUES
Fired-up Federer’s chances get a boost
Melbourne — Roger Federer showed his 35-year-old legs may yet still carry him to a long-awaited 18th Grand Slam title as he overhauled fifth seed Kei Nishikori in a five-set slog to reach the Australian Open quarterfinals on Sunday. Having issued a reminder of his class in the 90-minute rout of Tomas Berdych, Federer flaunted his endurance by prevailing 6-7(4) 6-4 6-1 4-6 6-3 after a three hour and 26 minutes battle under the lights at Rod Laver Arena. After six months out of the game to recover from a knee injury, Federer’s fairytale return will continue against giant-killing German Mischa Zverev, who sensationally ousted top seed Andy Murray on the same centre court only hours before. Since winning Wimbledon in 2012, Federer has gone close to adding to his Major tally, but with each passing year, the doubts have only piled higher. Yet with Murray and six-times Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic sent packing from Melbourne Park, the Swiss master finds himself with his best cha...
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