Former world No.1 Roger Federer was happy to get back on court at the Australian Open on Friday after a second round walkover earlier in the week robbed him of some valuable match practice.
Federer moved into the round of 16 with a comfortable 7-6 (8-6) 7-5 6-3 victory over big-serving Croatian Ivo Karlovic in what was the 30-year-old's second match at Melbourne Park following the walkover he received from German Andreas Beck in the second round.
The No.3 seed saved a set point in the first set against Karlovic, but from there on it was all one way traffic as the Swiss maestro moved into the final 16 at the Australian Open for the 11th consecutive year.
Federer said the match against Karlovic was exactly what he required before he enters the second week of the tournament and strives for a fourth title at Melbourne Park.
"It was important to face the whole three sets and the pressure of facing a guy like Ivo who can serve his way out of trouble," Federer said after the match.
"So I think that was a good thing."
"He keeps you on your heels the whole time and you are not quite sure what's going to happen."
Despite missing his second round encounter, Federer said he was happy with the way his game is progressing and the back injury that forced him to withdrawal from Qatar Open earlier this month was not a concern.
"Overall I feel good you know," he said.
"It's been a good match for me and a good last week or so."
"There were no back issues at all today and I didn't even think about it, to be honest."
"So it was a good day at the office."
Federer will now face either young Australian Bernard Tomic or No.13 seed Alexandr Dolgopolov in the next round and the 16-time major winner is expecting a tough match.
"I've only played Bernard and Alexandr once each I think so I don't know them that well," Federer said.
"Either player is going to be a challenge for me."