Fired-up Federer poised to pounce at unlikely crown

Swiss superstar defies long odds to become favorite

It seemed unthinkable just a few days ago, but Roger Federer's chances of winning an age-defying 18th Grand Slam title look better all the time after an astonishing turn of events at the Australian Open.

After top-ranked Andy Murray followed defending champion Novak Djokovic with an early exit, 35-year-old Federer gritted his teeth to reach the quarterfinals - and has been installed as the betting favorite.

There was no doubt what it meant to Federer, who leapt around in celebration after completing a hard-fought 6-7 (4), 6-4, 6-1, 4-6, 6-3 win over Japan's Kei Nishikori late on Sunday.

"This is a huge moment for me in my career," said the grinning Swiss, who could write a new chapter following his return from a six-month layoff while he recovered from a knee injury.

Federer hasn't won a Grand Slam in five years, and he could also become the oldest player since 37-year-old Ken Rosewall in 1972 to win one of the sport's major trophies.

Playing with his old panache, he remains a huge favorite of the Australian crowds who have seen him victorious on four occasions at Melbourne Park.

But with a lot of tennis to be played over the next week, it's still too early to talk of a record-extending 18th major for Federer, starting with his quarterfinal against Mischa Zverev.

A victory on Tuesday would put him into a semifinal against his fellow Swiss, the redoubtable Stan Wawrinka, or France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

On the other side of the draw lurk third seed Milos Raonic of Canada and Grigor 'Baby Fed' Dimitrov - and Federer's old nemesis, Rafael Nadal.

Rocket's man

Australian legend Rod 'Rocket' Laver, whose name adorns the Melbourne center court, was one observer hoping for a ninth Grand Slam final between the long-time rivals.

"Yeah, it would be nice to see (Federer and Nadal) in the final," Laver told the Sydney Morning Herald.

"They've been battling each other for probably the last 11 years and now they're here with a good chance to go through.

"But again, any of these younger players coming through can be troublesome."

Laver, who called Federer his favorite modern-day player, added: "It is amazing to think that Roger is playing as well as he is at this moment.

"He had a knee operation which took him back, he was out of the game for six months.

"He's been working awfully hard and I think that's probably been the best thing; he probably never had this much time to prepare for specific people.

"I have not seen him play a backhand this well, as consistently as it has been the last three or four days."

After failing to catch fire against Jurgen Melzer and Noah Rubin, Federer has evoked memories of his glory days in his past two matches, especially his 90-minute demolition of Tomas Berdych.

Meanwhile the newly knighted Murray, who climbed to the top of the world rankings after a brilliant 2016, was left to ponder his crushing loss to German serve-volleyer Mischa Zverev on the long flight home.

"Early knight", and "Night Knight, Andy" headlined the Aussie media as the five-time losing finalist picked over his earliest Melbourne departure in eight years.

"I was full of confidence coming into the beginning of this year. I prepared as best as I could," Murray said.

"But maybe I have to have a look back and assess some things and see maybe if there's some stuff I could have done differently, or did my opponent just play a great match?"