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Melbourne — Swiss marvel Roger Federer blitzed long-time rival Tomas Berdych in straight sets to storm into the fourth round with a vintage performance at the Australian Open yesterday.

The 17-time Grand Slam champion, seeded 17th after an injury-hit 2016, downed the 10th-seeded Czech 6-2, 6-4, 6-4, in just 90 minutes.

Federer reached the round of 16 in Melbourne for the 15th time where he will face Japanese fifth seed Kei Nishikori.

“From the baseline, honestly I felt worlds better than in the first couple of rounds. Yeah, it’s wonderful. I’m really happy, yeah, of course,” Federer said.

“I’m sure I’ve done some sort of a performance like this (before). When you don’t get broken, you don’t have to save any break points, you’re always in the lead, it’s always easier to play.”

Any concerns that Federer might be in for a tough night evaporated with a double service break to lead Berdych 5-2 in the opening set.

The Swiss maestro continued to put on a tennis masterclass to leave the big Czech floundering.

Federer breezed through the opening set in 26 minutes, made it 2-0 another 31 minutes later and cruised through the final set in 33 minutes to complete an astonishing demolition of one of his long-time rivals.

Federer broke Berdych’s big serve four times and did not face one break point on his own service, while hitting 40 winners against just 17 unforced errors.

“I didn’t expect it as such, to be honest, especially not this kind of a scoreline,” Federer said.

“Especially having to save no breakpoints, just always rolling on the serve. That was a big surprise to me.

“I think it was a great mental test for me to see if I could stay in the match point for point, keep rolling.

“I was able to do that. That’s where I’m just really happy that I was able to deliver that.

“I had no expectations really for tonight, but I did surprise myself.”

On facing Nishikori in his next match, the 35-year-old Swiss legend said: “I’m a big fan of his game. He’s got one of the best backhands out there. I love how he can crush it down the line or crosscourt.

“He’s got wonderful second serve returns. He’s fast on his legs. Strong in his mind.

“I know how tough he is as the match goes along. He finds his range and his rhythm, he’s tough to stop.”

It was the 23rd career meeting between the pair and their seventh meeting at a Grand Slam, and fourth at the Australian Open.

Federer extended his record to 17-6 over Berdych and has won their last six meetings. The last time the Czech defeated Federer was in the semi-finals at Dubai in 2013.

The Swiss legend is looking to become the third man to win five Australian Open singles titles after Novak Djokovic and Roy Emerson, who have both won six.

Meanwhile, Venus Williams ended Chinese hopes at the Australian Open yesterday, swatting aside Duan Yingying to make the fourth round for a 10th time — and said she was still hungry for more.

The 13th seed was in a different league, spanking Duan 6-1, 6-0 on Margaret Court Arena and showing no signs of the elbow injury that forced her out of the doubles with sister Serena.

She will next play German qualifier Mona Barthel, who beat Australian hope Ashleigh Barty.

If she comes through that encounter, a potential quarter-final with fellow veteran Svetlana Kuznetsova looms.

“Oh, yay! It’s good. It’s never enough,” said Williams on still making her mark at Grand Slams.

“I’ve been in the fourth round before. I’ve tasted it before and it’s always a great feeling because it means, hey, I have an opportunity for the quarter-finals.

That’s what I’m going to go for.”

The American, the oldest player in the women’s draw and playing her 17th Australian Open, said tennis had given her “a beautiful life”. But she isn’t finished yet.

“Whatever happens, I’m looking forward to executing my game,” she said of her next match.

“That’s all that matters at this point, is to continue to elevate myself. As the rounds continue, I need to raise my level. This is my primary focus, and nothing else.”

Remarkably Duan, ranked 87, admitted ahead of the match that she’d never seen Williams play, and would be relying heavily on her coach’s guidance.

This is despite the seven-time Grand Slam winner being one of the game’s most prominent players over the past two decades.

She paid dearly against Williams who remains a force, making the fourth round or better at three of the four Grand Slams last year.

Williams, 36, exploited Duan’s weak serve and apparent nerves, racing to a quick break in the opening set, with no way back for the Chinese star. She won a consolation game but that was as good as it got.

Duan, normally an aggressive and powerful player, was never able to get into her groove as Williams dictated the points, pushing her around the court.

Williams didn’t give an inch, breaking Duan first service game in the second set and romping to an easy victory. Despite the loss, it was an encouraging tournament for China’s number five, who reached a Grand Slam third round for the first time and was her country’s last player standing.

“This is her first time in the third round. It’s a lot of pressure,” Williams said.

“Having the opportunity to play this third round, play against a player of my experience, is going to be a huge stepping stone for her. She’s got talent. It’s perfect for women’s tennis.

— AFP.