Federer eases into Australian Open quarters

Roger Federer of Switzerland celebrates after defeating Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France during their fourth round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia. AP

MELBOURNE, Australia—Sixth-seeded Roger Federer has equaled Jimmy Connors record by reaching his 41st Grand Slam quarterfinal with a 6-3, 7-5, 6-4 win over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the fourth round of the Australian Open on Monday.

It was also the 11th straight year the Swiss star has reached the quarters at Melbourne Park.

Federer and Tsonga met twice in the quarterfinals of Grand Slams last year, with the Swiss player winning their match at the Australian Open and the Frenchman prevailing at the French Open.

Federer next faces fourth-seeded Andy Murray in the quarterfinals. He has won just four of his last 14 matches against top-10 players, including Monday’s victory over 10th-seeded Tsonga.

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