Philipp Kohlschreiber could not replicate the heroics of his five-set upset win over Andy Roddick, with the German falling to steady Fin Jarkko Nieminen 6-3, 6-7, 6-7, 3-6 in the fourth round of the Australian Open.
Kohlschreiber’s late night Friday triumph over Roddick kick started a series of dramatic men’s matches, which saw Roger Federer, James Blake and Lleyton Hewitt go the distance in their respected third round clashes. The 29th seed was typically belligerent, blasting 76 winners today, 29 more than Neiminen. However the German could not deliver in the big moments, converting just 7 of 22 break points, while dropping the two tiebreakers 7-9 and 9-11 respectively.
Kohlschreiber equals his best performance at a slam – he exited in the round of 16 stage at the 2004 Australian Open – while Nieminen will see his first Melbourne Park quarter final. The 26 year old Fin has made twice made the final eight of a slam, the 2005 US Open and Wimbledon a year later.
Next for Nieminen will be world number 2 Rafael Nadal, provided the Spaniard beats 23rd seeded Frenchman Paul-Henri Mattieu.
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