Melbourne, Jan 22 (IANS): Switzerland's Roger Federer on Monday became the oldest player to reach men's singles quarterfinals at the Australian Open in over 40 years, defeating Marton Fucsovics of Hungary 6-4, 7-6 (7-3), 6-2.

The defending champion Federer needed little more than two hours to defeat Fucsovics, the world No. 80, in straight sets in their first career match, reports Efe.

"I thought he was playing really clean, solid," Federer said on court after the match. "Credit to him for playing a great tournament."

Hitting six aces and 34 winners, Federer, 36, became the oldest player to reach the men's singles quarterfinals since Ken Rosewall of Australia achieved the feat in 1977 at age 43.

The 19-time Grand Slam champion, who has yet to drop a set in this year's event, did not face any breakpoints on his way to the last round in Melbourne for a record 14th time in the open era.

For a place in the semifinals, Federer is set to take on Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic who defeated Fabio Fognini of Italy 6-1, 6-4, 6-4.

Federer has won 19 out of 25 career matches against Berdych, including three encounters in 2017.