The world No.3 managed a tense five-set victory in his second match of the tournament to beat Mikhail Youz 6-1 6-7 4-6 6-4 6-2.

He also needed five sets to down American talent Francis Tiafoe in the first round.

The Swiss maestro joked about the length it took to put away his opponent.

“These five set battles are actually a lot of fun. I feel quite warmed up by now,” Federer said in his on-court interview after the match.

Federer and Rafael Nadal are on course to meet in an epic semi-final should the pair make it that far.