Roger Federer has declared that he is looking forward to a step up in competition at the Australian Open when he faces Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the quarter-finals on Wednesday.
Federer maintained his flawless form in Melbourne with a straight-sets win over Milos Raonic earlier today.
The third seed is yet to drop a single set in the tournament and has come through ticky ties with Raonic and Bernard Tomic with relative ease.
Tsonga is next up in the last eight but Federer believes that he is playing well and ready to take on the tough Frenchman.
He said: "It's been a big week for me playing two up-and-coming guys but I'm really pleased with how I've played.
"I played a great first game (against Raonic) in the third set. Playing in the lead is just easier, sure. Two sets to love could have slipped so it was important that I stayed focused.
"I work as hard as I can but you hope to come through every match as quick as you can. Novak Djokovic has his work cut out now but he's been there before. Tsonga is a good guy, a good shot-maker and a great character. I'm looking forward to a good match, it should be exciting."
Tsonga booked his place in the quarter-finals with a four-set victory against countryman Richard Gasquet this morning.
Liam Power
