Federer Flexes His Muscles

Roger Federer's straight sets demolition of Lleyton Hewitt in the last 16 of the Australian Open was a serious statement of intent. He dropped just nine games in disposing of a difficult opponent, suffering a break of serve (and indeed break points) only late on in the third set.

While the number one seed was expected to triumph over a player he had beaten in their last 14 meetings, the manner of the victory was impressive and a warning for those who believe the Swiss legend is past his best.

Federer coped comfortably with the Australian's aggressive plan of attack, unfurling winner after winner behind his usual accurate serve and return. He is playing as well as ever and threatening to prove his US Open final defeat by Juan Martin del Potro was indeed a blip rather than a sign that other players apart from Rafael Nadal could beat him in big matches. The online betting markets certainly indicate he is a force to be reckoned with.

The world number one is not the only man to put down a marker in Melbourne. The rest of the quarter finalists are all capable of going all the way, with Andy Murray and Nikolay Davydenko particularly impressive in reaching the last eight.

Murray faces Nadal next, while the in-form Davydenko awaits Federer, so the top seed and British hope must again be at their best to maintain their paths to a final showdown.

What Murray did to John Isner in the fourth round, Federer did just as impressively against Hewitt, but it is their meetings against genuine title challengers that will be more revealing.

Nadal knows he needs to find form that his eluded him since returning from injury last year to beat Murray, but as the tournament holder he has the experience and class to raise his game.

However, it is Federer who is doing the most notable muscle-flexing in this fascinating tournament and the tennis betting reflects this.