Federer
Roger Federer of Switzerland plays a shot with an oversized racket during a children's tennis day at the Brisbane International Tennis Tournament in Brisbane, Australia January 3, 2015. Reuters/Dave Hunt/AAP

Defending champion Roger Federer is looking to capture his 89th career tour-level title in Brisbane. The top seed Swiss needed 55 minutes to dismiss qualifier Tobias Kamke 6-2 6-1 during Thursday’s night match in Brisbane. Federer will return in Pat Rafter Arena on Friday where he will face Grigor Dimitrov, who beat Serbian Viktor Troicki 5-7 7-6(6) 6-2 to seal his place in the last eight.

Federer, who has a 3-0 head-to-head advantage over Dimitrov, said in an interview quoted on the official website of men’s tennis that he is anticipating a tough match in the quarterfinals. “Grigor’s had a tough grind today, but he’s extremely match tough,” Federer said. “I expect him to be fresh again tomorrow, I played him quite aggressive last year and that worked well.”

Marin Cilic looms as a potential semifinal opponent for Federer. The Croat beat Hyeon Chung 7-5 7-6(3) to set up meeting with eighth seed Dominic Thiem, which is also happening on Friday.

On the other side of the draw, Federer’s training buddy in Dubai, Frenchman Lucas Pouille, emerged as the tournament’s surprise package. Pouille upset sixth seed David Goffin 7-6(5) 4-6 6-3 to set up clash with Raonic, who defeated Ivan Dodig 6-7(2) 6-1 6-4 on Thursday.

The last Australian standing, Bernard Tomic, is featured on Friday’s quarterfinal action as well. Tomic will play Japanese Kei Nishikori.

Men’ singles - Second round results

Roger Federer def. Tobias Kamke 6-2 6-1

Grigor Dimitrov def. Viktor Troicki 5-7 7-6(6) 6-2

Lucas Pouille def. David Goffin 7-6(5) 4-6 6-3

Milos Raonic def. Ivan Dodig 6-7(2) 6-1 6-4

Quarterfinal schedule (Jan. 8, 2016)

Lucas Pouille vs. Milos Raonic - Not before 11 a.m. on Pat Rafter Arena

Bernard Tomic vs. Kei Nishikori - Not before 1 p.m. on Pat Rafter Arena

Marin Cilic vs. Dominic Thiem - Not before 4:30 p.m. on Show Court 1

Roger Federer vs. Grigor Dimitrov - Not before 7 p.m. on Pat Rafter Arena

Visit Brisbaneinternational.com.au or more information.

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