Roger Federer reaches Australian Open third round after being made to sweat by Jan-Lennard Struff

12:44PM

Tough on Struff

How on earth has Jan-Lennard Struff got to the age of 27 without having been past the second round of a slam? He was excellent today, and only a very solid performance from Federer stopped him from getting at least a set. 

12:42PM

Roger speaks to Jim Courier - and is asked about the scheduling

What did you make of your opponent today? I knew he could serve big, no problem for five hours so that's what you're ready for. I knew he would go for his shots, so it's a question of focusing on my own serve, protecting that as well as I can, and then getting a break by good defence or maybe he helps me out a little bit. It was a bit of both in the end, but he played a good match. 

I enjoyed it, and wish him all the best for the season.

Did you ask for a night match? There are maybe 60 guys asking for stuff so I'm one of those guys, yes.

Do you have more leverage than others? Possibly, but it's not my call. It's their call. Novak, some of the Aussies - there are other guys they listen to as well. I'm happy not to go from night to day and then back again, but I would have been happy to play in the day. I think I thrive in those conditions too. 

But sure it's helpful to have played in the night. 

Thoughts on playing Richard Gasquet next? We've played a bunch of times, it's a good match, and I'm looking forward to it. I expect it will be very tough. I love playing against one-handed guys because we need to keep it alive for as long as possible! I don't think I'll be teaching my kids to play like that. 

12:33PM

Game, set and match! Federer defeats Struff 6-4, 6-4, 7-6 (4)

That's it. Struff nets a forehand return, and Federer is into the third round. 

12:32PM

Third set tie-break: Federer* 6-4 Struff

Struff saves the first match point with a carefree backhand return winner up the line. 

12:31PM

Third set tie-break: Federer* 6-3 Struff

It's three match points for Federer as Struff sends a forehand just wide. 

12:31PM

Third set tie-break: Federer 5-3 Struff*

Brilliant backhand winner up the line keeps Struff in this. 

12:30PM

Third set tie-break: Federer 5-2 Struff*

Booming ace down the T extends Federer's lead. Seventeen aces for Fed this match. 

12:29PM

Third set tie-break: Federer* 4-2 Struff

The players change ends with Federer in charge after Struff nets a backhand. 

12:29PM

Third set tie-break: Federer* 3-2 Struff

Struff reduces the arrears with a forehand winner up the line. 

12:28PM

Third set tie-break: Federer 3-1 Struff*

Struff is furious at himself as a missed volley gifts Federer the mini-break straight back. 

12:28PM

Third set tie-break: Federer 2-1 Struff*

A very uncharacteristic missed forehand hands Struff the mini-break back. Very rare to see Federer miss that kind of shot. 

12:27PM

Third set tie-break: Federer* 2-0 Struff

A forehand winner doubles Federer's lead. 

12:27PM

Third set tie-break:  Federer* 1-0 Struff

A Struff double fault gives Federer the instant mini-break. 

12:26PM

Federer 6-4, 6-4, 6-6 Struff* (*next server) - Third set tie-break

Ace, ace, ace, missed Struff backhand. It's a love hold in 54 seconds. 

We're into a tie-break. 

12:25PM

Federer* 6-4, 6-4, 5-6 Struff (*next server) - Struff saves two break points and holds

Struff has not taken a backwards step all match, but Federer refuses to be cowed by his opponent's power, digging out an awkward backhand pass for 15-30. A double fault then hands Federer two break - and let's face it virtual match - points at 15-40. Again though, Federer is passive when up break point, and Struff takes full advantage - nailing a winner off either wing to get back to deuce. Two big serves follow, and Struff flicks away a forehand winner to complete the hold. 

Federer has missed five break points in the third set and will serve to stay in it for a second time. 

12:19PM

Federer 6-4, 6-4, 5-5 Struff* (*next server)

Federer shrugs off the pressure of serving to stay in the set, and holds easily to 15. 

12:16PM

Federer* 6-4, 6-4, 4-5 Struff (*next server)

Struff seems to have more or less abandoned the serve-volley tactic, which is a bit of a shame. Thankfully for him though he's banging down big serves and spraying forehand winners - two in this game - and four straight points secures a hold to 15.

Federer will serve to stay in the third set. 

12:14PM

Federer 6-4, 6-4, 4-4 Struff* (*next server)

Order has been well and truly restored, as Federer responds to Struff's love hold with one of his own. The rhythm Federer has found on his serve for the most part has been stunning. 

12:12PM

Federer* 6-4, 6-4, 3-4 Struff (*next server)

After four straight games where the server faced break points, Struff restores some order with a love hold. Federer looks a little miffed that he's being made to work so hard. Excellent display thus far from Struff. 

12:10PM

Federer 6-4, 6-4, 3-3 Struff* (*next server) - Federer saves a break point and holds

A missed Federer drop shot gives Struff a way back into the game at 30-15, and moments later it's 30-40 and break point after a stinging backhand passing shot up the line. Federer saves it though, and then steps up the aggression to secure the hold with a second serve ace. He's hit two of those this set, which is extraordinary. 

12:05PM

Federer* 6-4, 6-4, 2-3 Struff (*next server) - Federer breaks back

Federer looks mad - he wants this break back straight away. A Struff double fault has us at deuce, and this spells trouble for the German. Fed is ready to pounce, and he forces a break point after somehow returning a 130 mph serve. He then returns a 129mph serve, and flicks away a backhand pass up the line to get the break straight back. 

Federer's defence is such an underrated part of his game. That was exceptional returning. 

12:01PM

Federer 6-4, 6-4, 1-3 Struff* (*next server) - Struff breaks

The run is over. Federer gets to 21 straight points on serve to make it 30-0, but the sequence is finally stopped when his opponent flicks away an overhead for 30-15. And then would you believe it?! Federer makes a couple of errors on the next two points, and Struff suddenly has a break point at 30-40 - his first of the match. The German gets a good look at it but he carelessly thrashes a forehand miles long. No matter, another one soon follows, and this time Struff takes it! He's aggressive again, and gets his reward as Federer can't handle another booming forehand. 

A well-deserved breakthrough for Struff, and Federer is broken for the first time this tournament. 

11:56AM

Federer* 6-4, 6-4, 1-2 Struff (*next server) - Struff saves three break points and holds

Danger signs again for Struff down 15-30 after a brilliant Federer forehand winner, and though he rallies to 40-30 a couple of errors then hand Federer a break point up advantage. Struff saves it well with a brave foray to the net, and then saves a second moments later with a forehand winner. A third break point follows, but Struff saves it with an ace down the T, and then bangs down a couple more huge serves - the second a 130 mph ace - to eke out a much-needed hold. He breathes a huge sigh of relief as he walks to the change of ends. 

Struff played those break points brilliantly; Federer was a little tentative. 

11:48AM

Federer 6-4, 6-4, 1-1 Struff* (*next server)

Federer is up to 19 straight service points, as he slams down another love hold. This one took 63 seconds. It's been a serving masterclass from Fed today. 

11:45AM

Federer* 6-4, 6-4, 0-1 Struff (*next server)

Impossible to see a way back for Struff here, but important he gets his nose in front this set in case of any Federer lapse. A love hold is just the ticket. Now can he do anything on his opponent's serve? 

11:42AM

Federer 6-4, 6-4 Struff* (*next server) - Game and second set

It's been noticeable how focused and humourless Federer has been today. He really means business. Another love hold here wraps up the second set, and Federer is well on his way. Fifteen straight points on serve now for the Swiss. 

After 65 minutes Federer leads two sets to love. 

11:39AM

Federer* 6-4, 5-4 Struff (*next server)

Federer tries the SABR (sneak attack by Roger) when down 40-0, but a let stops him in his tracks. He then misses his return when the point is replayed, and Struff holds to love. 

Federer will serve for a two sets to love lead. 

11:38AM

Federer 6-4, 5-3 Struff* (*next server)

Federer's firmly in the groove now. He holds to love again - another backhand winner up the line is the highlight - and has now won 11 straight points on serve. 

11:35AM

Federer* 6-4, 4-3 Struff (*next server) - Federer breaks

The pressure has been building over the last few games, and Federer forces another break point when his opponent nets a forehand for 30-40. And Federer takes the chance this time! A gorgeous backhand passing shot up the line does the damage. 

Federer leads by a set and a break. 

11:31AM

Federer 6-4, 3-3 Struff* (*next server)

An ace, and three unreturned serves secure another love hold for Federer in a game that lasts just 54 seconds. 

11:28AM

Federer* 6-4, 2-3 Struff (*next server)

Danger signs for Struff again when he misses a backhand to fall down 15-30. Solid serving though, backed up by a brilliant forehand crosscourt winner at 30-30, earn him the next three points and another hold. We remain on serve in the second set. 

11:25AM

Federer 6-4, 2-2 Struff* (*next server)

The pressure moves right back to Struff as Federer holds to 15. The German tries to be aggressive, but he's a little wayward with a couple of forehands. 

11:22AM

Federer* 6-4, 1-2 Struff (*next server) - Struff saves two break points and holds

Just like that, Federer has ambushed his opponent. Struff double faults at 15-15, and is then hustled into a couple of errors to suddenly find himself down 15-40 and two break points. What a response from Struff through - he saves the first with a clipped volley, and then somehow saves the second as well, winning arguably the rally of the tournament with a well-controlled half-volley. Both men ended an epic point at the net after scampering around the baseline, but it's Struff who comes out on top. Federer does his best to smile, but he looks furious at that. Struff then reels off the next two points to claim a very impressive hold. 

11:16AM

Federer 6-4, 1-1 Struff* (*next server)

Having been powerless to stop his opponent rattling through his last service game, Federer motors to 40-15 off the back of two aces and a forehand winner. A third ace seals a hold to 30. 

Good level from both men. 

11:13AM

Federer* 6-4, 0-1 Struff (*next server)

More brilliant volleying from Struff takes him to 40-15 - so nice to see. A fizzing forehand winner than wraps up the hold to 15. 

Stan Wawrinka meanwhile is out, suffering an injury-hit 6-2, 6-1, 6-4 defeat to the American Tennys Sandgren. 

11:10AM

Federer 6-4 Struff* (*next server) - Game and first set Federer

Struff again gets a look in on his opponent's service game, reaching 30-30 when Federer nets a forehand. Struff then forces deuce on the Federer serve for the first time after drawing another netted forehand with Fed up set point at 40-30. A second serve on deuce gives Struff half a chance, but he wastefully misses his forehand return to hand Federer a second set point. Again though, the German saves it with a brilliant chip and charge play. But moments later, Federer earns a third set point with a service winner, and he takes this one with an ace out wide. 

Federer a set to the good after 32 minutes. 

11:04AM

Federer* 5-4 Struff (*next server)

Another good game from both players. Struff bangs down a T ace to wrap up a hold to 30, but between times Federer has the crowd on their feet with a pair of brilliant winners off  either wing. The forehand one was travelling at a rate of knots, and flew past Struff. 

Federer will serve for the first set. 

11:00AM

Federer 5-3 Struff* (*next server)

Struff has first glimmer of a break at 30-30, but Federer quickly slams the door shut with an ace followed by a service winner. 

10:57AM

Federer* 4-3 Struff (*next server)

Tennis would be so much richer if there were more players willing to get to the net. It remains such a joy to watch, and Struff is applying the old art very nicely at times. He rushes to the net on the first three points of this game, and clips away a beautiful backhand volley winner en route to a love hold. 

10:55AM

Federer 4-2 Struff* (*next server)

Struff can't get either of his first two returns in play, and in the blink of an eye he's down 30-0. A pair of missed backhands then hand Federer a love hold. 

10:53AM

Federer* 3-2 Struff (*next server) - Federer breaks

Lovely to see Struff serve volleying with semi-regularity in the early stages. He has excellent technique at the net, and wins a couple of serve and volley points to level the game at 30-30. Struff goes to the well too often though, and Federer gets by him at the net on the next two points to pinch an early break. The forehand passing shot up the line when up 30-40 is particularly easy on the eye. 

Federer in control of the first set. 

10:50AM

Federer 2-2 Struff* (*next server)

A trademark rapid-fire service Federer hold - the game lasts just 59 seconds - puts the pressure right back on Struff. The crosscourt backhand pass that seals the game is a beaut. 

10:47AM

Federer* 1-2 Struff (*next server) - Struff saves a break point and holds

Federer is very adroitly absorbing his opponent's power - including getting his racket to a 135 mph serve - and he forces a break point at 30-40 with a dipping backhand passing shot. Fed wastefully nets a backhand return though and the chance goes. Struff then bangs down a couple of big serves and holds. 

Enterprising start from the German - rare to see Federer so much on the back foot. 

10:43AM

Federer 1-1 Struff* (*next server)

Still no backward step taken by Struff, who leathers his returns and even tries a cheeky chip and charge play (the SABR can do one) off a second serve. Federer withstands the bombardment on that point though and in the game, and holds to 30 - wrapping up the game with a brilliant forehand pass on the run. 

10:39AM

Federer* 0-1 Struff (*next server)

Struff is going after his shots early on, as we hoped he would. A screaming backhand winner up the line and a well executed serve-volley play are the highlights of an accomplished hold to 30. 

10:37AM

Ready? Play

Struff serving first. 

10:29AM

Out they come

The two players take to the court. Mild cheers for Struff; huge roar for the five-time champion Federer. 

10:28AM

Swiss rolled

Over on Margaret Court Arena, Roger Federer's compatriot Stan Wawrinka is suffering badly with his knee and trails Tennys Sandgren 6-2, 4-0. Wouldn't be at all surprising if he had to retire. 

10:20AM

Game, set and match Barty

The 18th seed defeats Camila Giorgi 5-7, 6-4, 6-1. Next up for Barty is a very exciting looking match against Naomi Osaka in the third round on Saturday. 

Next on court will be Roger Federer vs Jan-Lennard Struff...

10:09AM

Barty in charge

The Aussie leads 4-0 in the first set, so Federer and Struff should be on court shortly. 

9:51AM

Going the distance on Rod Laver

Ashleigh Barty has just taken the second set 6-4 against Camila Giorgi to level the match up, and take it into a third set.

 So we must wait a little longer for Federer and Struff. 

9:26AM

Update from Rod Laver Arena

The Australian 18th seed Ashleigh Barty lost the first set 7-5 against Italy's Camila Giorgi, but she leads 3-1 in the second. Federer vs Struff follows the conclusion of that match. 

8:58AM

Preamble

Morning all, welcome to our coverage of Roger Federer's second-round match against Germany's world No 55 Jan-Lennard Struff. 

Federer goes into the match of course as the overwhelming favourite. He is the reigning champion, the bookies choice to win the tournament, and is probably the form player on the ATP tour right now. He also looked at his imperious best against Aljaz Bedene in a 6-3, 6-4, 6-3 first-round win on Tuesday. 

So good luck Jan-Lennard. Perhaps though the match could be more competitive than it seems.

The German has developed a reputation as a bit of a giant-killer over the last couple of years, having defeated Stan Wawrinka, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Grigor Dimitrov and Tomas Berdych in that period. He also comes into the match in decent form, having disposed of world No 20 Berdych in Doha at the start of the year. He also hammered  Kwon Soon-woo 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 in his first round match on Tuesday.  

That said, Struff has not got beyond the second round of a grand slam, and went down 6-4, 7-6 to Federer the only other time they met - in Halle two years ago.

What we can say with some certainty is that Struff's gameplan will be all out attack. Standing at 6ft 5in, his game style is similar to that of Sam Querrey, and essentially involves huge serves and even bigger forehands. In the men's first round matches, only Querrey and Ivo Karlovic posted a higher proportion of first serves unreturned than Struff's 53 per cent. 

Clutching at straws? We'll find out soon enough. The players are due on court after the conclusion of the Ashleigh Barty vs Camila Giorgi match, which is currently locked at 5-5 in the first set on the Rod Laver Arena. 

The winner of this incidentally will face the 28th seed Richard Gasquet, who earlier defeated Lorenzo Sonego 6-2, 6-2, 6-3.