Roger Federer tackles the serving might of Ivo Karlovic on Rod Laver Arena on Friday for a place in round four of the Australian Open.
Federer enjoyed a bonus day off on Wednesday after second round opponent Andreas Beck pulled out before they were due to take to the Hisense Arena.
"I saw him in the locker room, and he came up to me," Federer said. "I was like, 'Hey, what's going on? Good to see you again, because he's a good friend. I've practiced with him in the past in Switzerland.'"
"He [Beck] said, I'm not so good actually. I have a bad back. It came as a surprise. He said he had a lot painkillers and pain during the last match. I think it happened four, five days ago. He doesn't want to risk it early in the season, best five sets against me. Nothing he could have done, even though he would love to play against me. I guess it's the only smart decision for him to take."
The Swiss was glad of the extra rest for his troublesome back which is getting better by the day but he'll have to be sharp against Karlovic who took out Jurgen Melzer in straight sets in round one.
Federer leads the head-to-head 9-1 and he's beaten the Croatian twice in Grand Slams in the past but he knows how dangerous the Karlovic serve can make him. Karlovic beat him 7-6(6), 4-6, 7-6(5) in Cincinnati three and a half years ago.
Prediction: Federer in four.
