Federer reaches quarters, ties Connors’ mark

MELBOURNE, Australia – Defending champion Roger Federer matched Jimmy Connors’ record for consecutive Grand Slam quarterfinals appearances, beating Tommy Robredo 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 today in the Australian Open.

Federer has reached the quarterfinals for 27 consecutive majors since his third-round exit in the 2004 French Open, equaling Connors’ Open-era record.

Also, Caroline Wozniacki moved into the Australian Open quarterfinals with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Anastasija Sevastova and is just one victory from ensuring she’ll retain the top ranking.

The 20-year-old Dane, playing her first major as world No. 1, reached the quarterfinals at Melbourne Park for the first time. She can keep her top ranking with an appearance in the semis.

She wants more than that, though. She’s aiming for a first Grand Slam title.

Novak Djokovic advanced to the quarterfinals for the 13th time in his last 15 majors with a 6-3, 6-4, 6-0 win over No. 14 Nicolas Almagro.

Li Na, already China’s most successful player, reached the quarterfinals with a 6-3, 6-3 win over eighth-seeded Victoria Azarenka of Belarus.

On the men’s side, Rafael Nadal ended Australia’s last hope in the tournament, beating 18-year-old wild card Bernard Tomic 6-2, 7-5, 6-3 in the third round on Saturday.

He extended his Grand Slam winning streak to 24 matches, but said he’s feeling the lingering effects of an illness that slowed him at the start of the year, and is sweating and feeling more tired than usual during matches.

The last two Australians went out in consecutive night matches on Rod Laver Arena on a day that attracted a record crowd for the Australian Open – 77,121 across day and night sessions. French Open finalist Sam Stosur lost 7-6 (5), 6-3 to No. 25 Petra Kvitova.

John Isner went out in a 4-6, 6-2, 6-7 (5), 7-6 (2), 9-7 loss to No. 15 Marin Cilic late Saturday, leaving Andy Roddick as the only American in the tournament.

Big serving 20-year-old qualifier Milos Raonic upset No. 10 Mikhail Youzhny 6-4, 7-5, 4-6, 6-4 to become the first Canadian in a dozen years to reach the fourth round of a major.

Other men advancing included two-time French Open finalist Robin Soderling, seeded fourth, No. 7 David Ferrer and No. 11 Jurgen Melzer, while No. 2 Vera Zvonareva and No. 3 Kim Clijsters led those advancing on the women’s side.