Roddick has only ever beaten Federer in two of their previous 17 meetings -- the most recent success coming in Miami last year -- and he never looked like repeating that in a match played with the Rod Laver Arena roof open following a drop in temperature which brought to an end the extreme heat policy procedures.Federer found the net a couple of times in the next game to help Roddick hold his serve but it did not stop Federer taking the first set. The Swiss, chasing a record-equalling 14th grand slam title, had a few nervy moments as he held off two break points before a wide reply by Roddick handed him the game and the set.
It was almost an exact repeat in the third set, although Federer did have the chance to break clear in the fifth game. Roddick was given a code violation for swearing but he produced an audacious sliced backhand to help him on his way to holding his serve.
