MELBOURNE, Australia — The match that broke a 22-22 tie started out as a mismatch.
Roger Federer has inflicted plenty of pain in a hurry on lesser tennis champions in Rod Laver Arena, ripping winner after winner in full flow.
But this time, Federer was the one fighting the current and looking in dire need of one of those surf-defying Australian lifeguards.
“It can happen,” Federer said.
Particularly against Novak Djokovic, who has perhaps never played better in a big match than in the opening phase of this Australian Open semifinal Thursday.