Australian Open: Roger Federer wary of Tennys Sandgren ambush

Puzzled why Tennys Sandgren has a triple-figure ranking, Roger Federer won’t be lured into an Australian Open ambush by the tough American.

Roger Federer during his fourth-round win over Marton Fucsovics of Hungary.

Puzzled why Tennys Sandgren has a triple-figure ranking, Roger Federer won’t be lured into an Australian Open ambush by the tough American.

With a semi-final clash against either defending champion Novak Djokovic or Wimbledon finalist Milos Raonic beckoning, world No 100 Sandgren has Federer’s complete attention and respect.

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“I wonder why he’s not ranked higher, to be honest,” Federer said.

“Every time I see him play, I feel like he plays very well. He’s got a lot of stuff in his game that he’s deserving of being higher. I don’t know if he’s been injured or not in the last season, to be honest. I didn’t follow him that closely.

“I mean, I remember he played (Hyeon) Chung in the quarters the last time I played the semis (in 2018), to play Chung with his blisters and all that. I remember watching that closely because I was going to maybe play the winner if I beat (Tomas Berdych).

“Yeah, I’m looking forward to that match because I’ve seen him play a lot, but never played him. You always wonder on TV sometimes it always looks better than it could be in real.

“All of a sudden you face him, it’s going to be this big and this strong.”

Sandgren, 28, makes a habit of deep runs at Melbourne Park.

He was a revelation two years ago and this season has nailed eighth seed Matteo Berrettini, compatriot Sam Querrey and talented Italian Fabio Fognini, the 12th seed.

Tennys Sandgren hits a return against Italy's Fabio Fognini.

Chasing his 15th Australian Open semi-final, Federer studied Sandgren’s tempestuous encounter with Fognini.

“I watched quite a little bit against Fognini because it was exciting, it was close, and it’s as I was waiting anyhow,” the Swiss said.

“No, it was impressive how he was competing. I’m looking forward to a tough one.

“I think the coaches have seen him quite a bit. They’ll try to get some more info, maybe look into how he’s played in the past against maybe players like me.

“I like how he moves. Very explosive. Has a nice first serve as well. He can counterpunch, but also likes to go on the attack.

“Reminds me a little bit of the olden days when you would do the transition game very good and very quickly. I feel like that’s what I’ve seen a lot of him doing very well.”

Sandgren, who brings a combative flavour to the court, is relishing Federer’s challenge.

“It would be incredibly special to be able to play him at least once in my career,” Sandgren said. “To play him on a big staging like quarters of a slam would be a ton of fun really.”

Federer’s “worst” Melbourne Park loss came in the third round in 2000 against world No 54 Arnaud Clement.

HERALD SUN