- Roger Federer beat Jan-Lennard Struff 6-4, 6-4, 7-6 in Melbourne on Thursday
- Defending champion looked comfortable in the Australian Open second round
- Federer says he ‘enjoyed’ the match after coming through a tough third set
- The Swiss admitted afterwards that he had asked to play his match at night
Roger Federer fought off the challenge of Jan-Lennard Struff to move into the third round of the Australian Open.
The defending champion benefited from playing in the relative cool of the evening unlike possible semi-final opponent Novak Djokovic and emerged an ultimately comfortable 6-4, 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) winner.
But German Struff, ranked 55, caused a few problems for the second seed, particularly in the third set.
Roger Federer celebrates after beating Jan-Lennard Struff at the Australian Open on Thursday
The defending champion stretches to make a forehand during his 6-4, 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) victory
Federer greets Struff at the net after defeating him in straight sets to reach the third round
He broke the Federer serve for the first time this tournament to lead 3-1 but back came the Swiss to clinch victory in a tie-break.
Federer, who next faces Frenchman Richard Gasquet, said: ‘I knew he was going to go for his shots, it’s a question of protecting your own serve as well as you can, then try to get a break. I thought it was a good match, I enjoyed it.’
The 36-year-old revealed he did ask to play at night having played his first-round match late but said he would have been happy to play during the day.
Struff caused Federer problems during the third set but it was not enough to stop the Swiss
‘There’s maybe 60 guys asking for different things and I’m one of them,’ he said with a sheepish grin.
‘It’s their call. I’m happy I didn’t have to go from night to day, I’m happy to play in the same rhythm.
‘I wouldn’t have minded playing in the day because I like to think I thrive in those conditions. If you want to get to the top you have to play in all conditions.’