By Adrianna Outlaw | Thursday, January 7, 2016
Defending champion Roger Federer overwhelmed Tobias Kamke, 6-2, 6-1, to set up a Brisbane quarterfinal against Grigor Dimitrov.
Photo credit: Brisbane International
Roger Federer warmed up with a quick jog in the hallway. Then the 17-time Grand Slam champion hit the ground running in Brisbane.
The defending Brisbane champion crushed German qualifier Tobias Kamke, 6-2, 6-1, in just 55 minutes to cruise into the quarterfinals.
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Showered with a rousing ovation from fans as he walked on court, Federer wasted no time asserting his aggression. Attacking net frequently, he often forced Kamke to play off the back foot.
Federer converted five of six break points in the match.
Federer won 18 of 22 points played on his first serve and saved the only break point he faced in the second set, serving notice of his intention this season.
"I'm going to do my best to stay injury free and give myself a chance to win another Grand Slam," Federer said in his post-match interview.
Federer, who defeated Milos Raonic in the 2015 Brisbane final and was runner-up to Lleyton Hewitt in the 2014 final, raised his record to 8-1 at the tournament.
The strong start surprised Federer, who revealed he had been a bit under the weather and requested a Thursday start to give himself some recovery time.
The top-seeded Swiss will play Grigor Dimitrov for a semifinal spot. Dimitrov, once nicknamed "Baby Fed" for his stylistic similarity to Federer, rallied for a 5-7, 7-6 (6), 6-2 triumph over Viktor Troicki.
Federer has not dropped a set in three prior meetings with Dimitrov, including a 6-2, 6-2 sweep in the 2015 Brisbane semifinals.
The fourth-seeded Raonic ripped 17 aces and did not drop serve defeating qualifier Ivan Dodig, 6-7 (2), 6-1, 6-4. Raonic will face Lucas Pouille, who surprised sixth-seeded David Goffin, 7-6 (5), 4-6, 6-3, in the quarterfinals.