Federer outguns Dimitrov for 300th win at grand slams

Roger Federer continued his dominance of Grigor Dimitrov with a four-set win in the Australian Open third round, marking his 300th victory at grand slams.

The Swiss great, facing an opponent who idolised him growing up, recorded a 6-4 3-6 6-1 6-4 win on Rod Laver Arena on Friday.

With the win, Federer made it five victories in as many meetings against the Bulgarian, including adding to his triumph in Brisbane earlier this year.

The 17-time grand slam champion is into the round of 16 in Melbourne for the 14th time in his past 15 appearances and a meeting with Belgian David Goffin awaits.

Dimitrov required treatment on his arm in the latter stages of the match, one he looked well and truly in during the opening two sets.

Tournament officials had opted to open the roof on Rod Laver despite a wet day in Melbourne, only for the rain to lead to a long delay after just one game.

After splitting the first two sets, Federer managed two breaks in the third as Dimitrov's nine unforced errors hurt him, and the 27th seed was punished in the fifth game of the fourth.

Federer set up a break point for a 3-2 lead and it was converted when Dimitrov sent a forehand down the line long.

Dimitrov battled in the seventh game as he forced Federer to serve out the match, but that was no problem for the 34-year-old.

STATISTICAL BREAKDOWN

Federer [3] bt Dimitrov [27] 6-4 3-6 6-1 6-4

ACES

Federer - 13

Dimitrov - 8

WINNERS/UNFORCED ERRORS

Federer - 48/55

Dimitrov - 23/44

BREAK POINTS WON

Federer - 4/15

Dimitrov - 1/6

FIRST SERVE PERCENTAGE

Federer - 62

Dimitrov - 60

PERCENTAGE OF POINTS WON ON FIRST/SECOND SERVE

Federer - 75/56

Dimitrov - 63/54

TOTAL POINTS

Federer - 127

Dimitrov - 111