Dokic Last Australian Standing In Melbourne

Dokic reached the fourth round of a major for the first time since 2002.

A rejuvenated Jelena Dokic will carry the hopes of a nation on her slim shoulders while Roger Federer will continue his pursuit of a record-equalling 14th grand slam title at the Australian Open on Sunday.

Dokic, the Yugoslav-born Australian, reached the fourth round of a major for the first time since 2002 and will have the crowd on her side when she faces Russia's Alisa Kleybanova.

Dokic, the sole Australian left in either singles draw, spent almost three years away from the top level of the sport, battling weight problems, self confidence issues and perceived slights by Tennis Australia officials.

The 25-year-old's personal problems and public split from her domineering father Damir are well publicised and after a series of sincere apologies this week, the Australian Open crowd has taken her to its heart.

"The crowd and playing on centre court is just really something else," said the 187th-ranked Dokic, who has beaten two top-20 players en route to the last 16.

"It's been great how everyone has given me another chance."

Three-times former champion Serena Williams was delighted to see Dokic back on form.

"I've been really rooting for her to do so well. I just think her attitude is great," said Williams, who won the title here two years ago while ranked 81st in the world.

"I think her game is just amazing now.

"I know what it's like to be down and to come back (and) I'm really proud and happy for her."

PLAYING SMART

Kleybanova may not be a household name yet but she is unlikely to give Dokic an easy ride since she beat 2008 runner-up Ana Ivanovic in the third round.

Dokic and Kleybanova will follow world number two Roger Federer on to centre court. The Swiss, who has reached at least the semi-finals every year since 2004, meets Tomas Berdych.

The pair met in the same round at Melbourne Park last year and Federer said he hoped to repeat the victory.

"I'm playing smart at the moment. I'm making it tough on my opponents. That's what it's about for me," Federer said.

Men's champion Novak Djokovic will also be looking to advance to the quarter-finals when he plays a resurgent Marcos Baghdatis of Cyprus.

Baghdatis whose ranking slipped down to 100 after an injury-plagued 2008, has shown signs of the form that propelled him to the 2006 Australian Open final and is backed by a passionate expatriate Cypriot and Greek community that should more than match Djokovic's Serbian fans.

Djokovic's compatriot Jelena Jankovic will continue her quest for her first major title against Marion Bartoli, while third seed Dinara Safina meets France's Alize Cornet.