Australian Open 2019: Champion Roger Federer pushed hard by Dan Evans

Headliners

Defending champion Roger Federer has reached the third round for the 20th consecutive time but was given a tough workout by Briton Dan Evans on his way to sealing a 7-6 7-6 6-3 success.

The Swiss, who faces Taylor Fritz in the third round, has not dropped a set and neither has Rafael Nadal, who eased past Matthew Ebden 6-3 6-2 6-2.

Nadal has knocked out two Australian players and faces a third, Alex De Minaur, in the third round.

Shocks of the day

Kevin Anderson's struggles at the Australian open continued as he lost 6-4 4-6 4-6 5-7 to Francis Tiafoe.

The big South African has never got past the fourth round at Melbourne Park and failed to justify 1-4 favouritism against the American.

There was also a surprise in the women's second round with 2-9 favourite Donna Vekic (the 29th seed) sliding to a 4-6 6-4 1-6 defeat to Australian wild card Kimberly Birrell.

Player in focus

Rising star Karen Khachanov continued his smooth progress by cruising to a 6-3 6-3 6-3 success over 23-year-old Japanese Yoshihito Nishioka and continues to emerge as a strong each-way contender in the bottom half of the draw.

The Russian finished 2018 in fine style – winning the Paris Masters – and will fancy his chances in a third round clash against Andy Murray's conqueror, Roberto Bautista.

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport