At 30-30, Berdych comes to the tape, successfully negotiates a tricky net cord but goes on to push a volley wide to give Federer a set point. 

But that Berdych first serve would even help get Houdini out of a muddle. To deuce we go. 

Federer thinks he's forced Berdych into a cul de sac, but the Czech's forehand, when in full swing, is a lethal weapon. It takes him to advantage and, ultimately, to an important hold. 

Image source, AP

Sharp serving from Federer, a second ace of the match mixed with unreturnable first serves. The third seed eases to within a game of the first set, but that's not the whole story of course. Berdych still in this one. 

The pair slug it out from the baseline, Federer always in control and finally he sees off his rival, crunching a forehand winner into the corner. 

Berdych can (almost) always rely on his serve, however, which helps him level at 15-15. 

A bit of excitement, Federer directing a return towards the umpire (not deliberately, of course) but it draws a few oohs from the spectators. 

Ultimately, Berdych holds with ease. The first set bubbling nicely. 

One-two - pow. Federer serves out wide and follows up with a winner down the line. Clinical stuff and the highlight of a straightforward hold to 15 for the third seed. 

Image source, Getty Images

Berdych targeting the Federer backhand on the serve, but the Swiss is firm, getting his response in quickly... the court opens for the Swiss but the 17-time Grand Slam champion overcooks an overhead. That's an ugly shot, Mr Federer. Berdych holds. Eventually. 

Advantage. Deuce. Federer hitting back with a brilliant forehand winner at full swing. 

Another double fault - the third of the match - and we return from advantage to deuce once again. Berdych's response? A 134mph ace down the middle. 

Fabulous from Federer, a deft volley which forces Berdych to net, bringing an end to an enthralling rally. Deuce. 

Another Berdych ace, a description we'll become to as the match progresses, but he cannot seal the deal. Federer returns... Berdych goes long... this is turning into a mammoth game. 

An intake of breath from the crowd, a Federer backhand clipping the net, dropping favourably for the Swiss... Berdych must react with alacrity... he gets to the ball but is rash with the crosscourter. 

The Czech adding variety to his game, the fine serve supported by solid volleying. The underdog nips ahead, to 30-15, but nets a backhand to give Federer a sniff. 

A sniff is all it is, though, an ace down the T, cool as a cucumber, for 40-30. Hold that thought: double fault. Deuce. 

What's happening? Federer is 30-15 to the good and about to hurl an unreturnable serve towards Berdych for a 40-15 lead. Another sharp first serve, another Federer point and the Swiss is on the up. 

Federer looked razor-sharp in the opening game, but finds himself a break down early on. 

Hope of a quick riposte from the Swiss as he skips to a 0-30 lead... he balloons a forehand, but steps in on the next point to swipe a forehand winner for two break back points. 

Big hitting from the baseline, Federer falters, botching a backhand, but another lengthy rally ensues... Berdych wild and wide on the forehand. As you were, gentlemen. 

Image source, Getty Images

A bit of background: Federer has won both of their previous meetings at Melbourne Park, including coming back from 0-2 down to win in five sets in their most recent meeting in 2009. 

Federer making uncharacteristic errors, Berdych volleying with aplomb. The Czech has two break points, one of which is chalked off - but a sublime forehand puts him on the front-foot and the opportunity is seized. 

Oh, Tomas. The Czech gallops to the tape but is passed by a sublime Federer backhand. The crowd purr their approval. 

The sixth seed keen to vary play as often as possible, but it's his booming serve which brings him the most reward. Another easy hold. 

Warm cheers for the players as they leave their chairs to commence battle. It's a toasty 28C in Melbourne apparently, not sure if that information is worth anything. 

Federer has chosen to serve first and has started with gusto, serving with accuracy to collect the first two points with ease. 

Immaculate timing from the Swiss who has already found his form. A comfortably hold ends with a super forehand into the corner. 

Time to throw some stats at you. Federer is on a four-match winning streak against Berdych, although he's lost their last two Grand Slam meetings (US Open in 2012 and Wimbledon in 2010). 

The umpire says there's one minute until the match will commence and who are we to question him.      

I can confirm that the players are on court. Federer sporting a fetching green bandana. The coin toss is done and dusted, though I'm not quite sure what happened but all will become clear. 

Roger Federer will soon be on court to take on Tomas Berdych for a place in the semi-finals. 

That match will now be our focus so make yourselves comfortable, snuggle up to a pillow or cushion, or something, we'll be here for a couple of hours at least. 

Image source, Getty Images

At 30-30, having watched a Williams forehand bounce long, Sharapova yelps "come on" as if to suggest she is still in this match. 

Whoa! A fabulous return down the line, grazing the tramline and bringing up a break point. That's woken up the spectators. 

Williams recovers to take the game to deuce, but a never-say-die Sharapova comes out on top of a baseline battle, Williams going long, and she's earned a second break point. 

Sharapova's eyes widen on the Williams second serve, but there's a touch too much oomph on the return. Deuce.