Federer cruises past Nieminen in Brisbane

Top seed reaches quarter-finals with a straight sets win

BRISBANE: Top seed Roger Federer cruised into the quarter-finals of the season-opening Brisbane International with a comfortable 6-4, 6-2 win over Finland's Jarkko Nieminen on Wednesday.

The Swiss maestro, who has proved hugely popular in Brisbane this week, did not disappoint his fans as he broke Nieminen once in the first set and twice in the second to power to victory in just 68 minutes.

The former world number one dominated the Finn with his penetrating ground strokes, but also tried to come to the net many times throughout the match — a favourite tactic of new coaching adviser Stefan Edberg.

Federer warned his opponents that he would only get better as the tournament progressed.

"I expect myself to play a bit better in the next match,” said Federer. “Today [Wednesday] was very good for a first match in so many weeks, against Nieminen, who can play very good tennis.”

"Now I have doubles tomorrow [Thursday] and the singles the next day, so it's really good for the rhythm and good for your game."

Meanwhile, he spoke of playing in Brisbane for the first time.

"It's very special for me playing in front of a crowd that's maybe never seen me before. You want to do well. You try everything. You're very focused."

Federer now takes on Marinko Matosevic in the quarter-finals following the un-seeded Australian's 5-7, 7-6 (7/3), 6-4 win over American Sam Querrey.

On the other hand, Japan's second seed Kei Nishikori eased past local favourite Matthew Ebden 6-2, 6-4 to book a quarter-final against big serving Croat Marin Cilic.