Federer beats Hewitt to reach quarterfinals

Roger Federer improved his six-year winning streak to 15 matches against Lleyton Hewitt with an overpowering 6-2, 6-3, 6-4 victory in the fourth round at the Australian Open on Monday.
 
Top-ranked Federer, who was beaten in last year's final at Melbourne Park by Rafael Nadal, hasn't lost to Hewitt since the Australian beat him in a Davis Cup match in the same Rod Laver Arena in late 2003.

The Swiss star has reached the semifinals or better here every year since winning the 2004 title, his first of three. He improved to 17-8 against Hewitt, and their 25 head-to-head matches is the most among active players.

Federer broke Hewitt's serve in the ninth game of the third set with a stinging cross-court forehand that left Hewitt standing in the middle of the court. Federer held service in his next game, setting up match point with an ace and clinching it with a service winner.

"When I saw the draw and saw Lleyton floating around, it's not something I like to see," Federer said. But, "I've got an incredible record against him the last few times we've played."

The win advanced Federer to a quarterfinal against Nikolay Davydenko, who beat 2009 semifinalist Fernando Verdasco 6-2, 7-5, 4-6, 6-7 (5), 6-3 earlier Monday to extend his winning streak to 13.