"I don't know how fit Murray is. I'll take him on any day in a five-setter. He's younger so he's probably not so experienced, you know.In the end it becomes very mental, and I know that this is where my biggest strengths always come into play."
~ Roger Federer
Roger Federer said today that he would take on Andy Murray any day over five sets after surviving a marathon match in the Australian Open fourth round against Tomas Berdych 4-6, 6-7 (4), 6-4, 6-4, 6-2.
Roger who has lost his last four matches against the Murray, has fought a low-key war of words with the Scot since arriving here for the first Grand Slam of the season. (Image via Yahoo! Sports)
Zahirah caught up with Rendy Lu Yen-Hsun right after his doubles match at the Australian Open and got his blessing to record a Lunar New Year message to his fans out there.
According to Zahirah who interviewed Rendy, win or lose, Rendy will spend his Chinese New Year abroad this year, as he plans to jet off to Germany for the Heilbronn Challenger next week.
“It was nice to spend it (at home),” Rendy said.
“You can really feel the atmosphere then.”
Zahirah also reported, spending holidays away from home may be hard, but with Rendy's sustained climb in the ATP rankings and the increasingly elevated profile of tennis in Taipei which he spearheads, Rendy is certainly reaping some handsome rewards for his sacrifice.
HCFoo would also like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Happy Ox Year!
Wimbledon semifinalist Zheng Jie beat Ukraine's Kateryna Bondarenko 6-2, 6-2 to continue her best-ever Australian Open.
The 22nd seed only 69 minutes to send Bondarenko packing in the third round encounter.
"I feel I play good for today, because before the match I do much homework to study my opponent. I know how to play this match," said Zheng, who never reached second round or beyond in previous Australian Open.
"It's a little surprised that I can win the match so easily, because I know she plays aggressive tennis. So at the beginning I go to the court and play more aggressive than her."
Earlier, China's Peng Shuai was dumped out of the event, losing to Serena Williams 6-1, 6-4.
"I think it's really good experience for me. It's my first time to play her," said Peng.
"The first set, I was a bit nervous, and then a little bit too tight. But after the start of the second set, I feel much better."
"I was up and I get little bit chances, but didn't take that. I learn from her and just keep going."
Serena will face rising teen star Victoria Azarenka, who ended Amelie Mauresmo's AO campaign 6-4, 6-2.
"It was definitely a lot better than my second round. But, you know, I'm still trying to work on some things and hoping they'll come together," Serena said.
"I'm feeling a little rusty, for whatever reason. I'm hoping my next round I'll be a little better."
She added that her sister's shock upset in the second round had given her extra motivation to win here.
"It obviously increases my motivation and my desire to win and hopefully do better."
Elena Dementieva, whom I predicted going to have a great run in AO together with Serena, defeated Aussie Samantha Stosur 7-6, 6-4.
The fourth round of AO will continue today.
(Via xinhuanet, Images via Yahoo! Sports, sports.sina.com.cn)
Australia's teenage sensation Bernard Tomic announced that he will move abroad, either to the US or London, in the next three months, so he can continue developing his game as he begins his life as a professional tennis player.
After gaining a wildcard entry and making it to the Australian Open second round, Tomic believes he's ready to take on the men.
"Now that I'm becoming more of a name in Australia, I've got to take the opportunity to build my game and work hard and take it to the next level," Tomic said.
"My parents are looking at moving to either England or America in the next three or four months."
"Then I have to work on my game and get a lot more opportunities."
"I can't stay on the Gold Coast forever."
"There's a lot of expectations now and I've got to find the right place where I can stay and have a home base."
Tomic said he would next head to Burnie in Tasmania, for a challenger event, and would then try to pick up a wildcard in Miami.
He said it was unrealistic to expect a huge rankings climb.
"To be honest with you, I don't think I can make top 100 this year," he said.
"I think I could get in the top 300 and that's a good goal."
"If I crack the 300 then I can play grand slam qualifying straight away and I'll never need wildcards and that's where I can build myself up."
"The next year is going to be good for me to build up, play more futures and challengers, because I've seen I can match it with these guys."
"It's just a matter of me getting stronger and playing in those big tournaments."
Today, Tomic who have just signed a two-year deal with Garnier, made a special appearance as their brand ambassador during the Australian Open week.
He might be only 16 years old but this guy qualifies to show you why chicks dig guys who take care of their beauty and health.
"I don't know how fit Murray is. I'll take him on any day in a five-setter. He's younger so he's probably not so experienced, you know. In the end it becomes very mental, and I know that this is where my biggest strengths always come into play." 
