Federer To Meet Safin In Third Round Of Australian

The last time Federer met Safin at the Australian Open, the big Russian won a mammoth five-set semi-final and went on to claim the title.

Roger Federer set up a juicy third round clash with former Australian Open champion Marat Safin after finally subduing a stubborn Evgeny Korolev 6-2 6-3 6-1 on Wednesday.

Federer, who is seeking to equal Pete Sampras's record of 14 grand slam wins with his fourth at Melbourne Park, was more than matched by the Russian qualifier in the opening two sets before romping away with the third.

The 27-year-old Federer enthralled the crowd packed into Rod Laver Arena with some audacious shot-making but Korolev also joined in and his wristy racket work provided some anxious moments for the world number two.

The last time Federer met Safin at the Australian Open, the big Russian won a mammoth five-set semi-final and went on to claim the title.