Switzerland's Roger Federer makes a backhand return to United States' Noah Rubin. Photo / AP
Former world No.1 Roger Federer has overcome a stern challenge from American qualifier Noah Rubin to advance to the third round of the Australian Open in straight sets.
The 20-year-old New Yorker made the four-time Melbourne Park champion work harder than Wednesday's 7-5 6-3 7-6 (7-3) scoreline suggested.
"He's a
great fighter ... he's aggressive on the ball and I think he had the upper hand on the baseline," Federer told the Seven Network.
"I think my serving kept me in the match today ... I'm happy I got through somehow.
"I wasn't feeling as good (late) as in the beginning. I definitely got a little lucky in that third set ... so it was good to fight through."
