Fired-up Federer poised to pounce at unlikely crown

Roger Federer can't contain his joy after vanquishing Japan's Kei Nishikori in five sets on Sunday night to reach the quarterfinals of the Australian Open. [Photo/Agencies]

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.