Australian Open: Federer knocked out by Greek powerhouse Tsitsipas

  Melbourne: Stefanos Tsitsipas, the 20-year-old, seeded 14, owner of a brutal power game, flaunted a newly sharpened mindset, to knock out his idol Roger Federer 6-7 (11-13), 7-6 (7-3), 7-5, 7-6 (7-5) to enter into the quarterfinals of the Australian Open.

The statistic of the match must be the 12 breakpoint opportunities the 20-time major winner failed to convert, while his younger opponent, who appeared to be cramping late in the match, grabbed one of three chances to walk away as a winner. The lone break of serve came in the 12th game of the third set. Tsitsipas had fair support in the crowd, even if he was playing the universal favourite, Roger Federer. 

Federer, 37, who has won here the last two times, struggled to find an adequate response to the Greek's serve. Tsitsipas sent down 20 aces.

The 20-year-old said during a courtside interview, "I am the happiest man on earth right now, I cannot describe it. It was important for me to keep that mindset, believe in yourself, in my ability and capability. I showed great fighting spirit and great determination. Roger is a legend in our sport, I have so much respect for him.”
Tsitsipas will face Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut in the last eight. Agut, the No.22 seed from Spain, beat last year's runner-up and sixth seed Marin Cilic of Croatia.

A disappointed Federer told, "There are always multiple factors that play into a match like this. But it definitely didn't go the way I was hoping on the breakpoints. I also didn't break him at the Hopman Cup, so clearly something is wrong in how I returned his serve,"

"I have massive regrets. I might not look the part, but I am. I felt like I have to win the second set. I don't care how I do it, but I have to do it. Cost me the game tonight" He further added. 

Second seed Rafael Nadal routed Tomas Berdych 6-0, 6-1, 7-6(4) in a centre court masterclass to charge into the quarterfinals. The 2009 champion was relentless at Rod Laver Arena, claiming the first two sets in an astounding 51 minutes.