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Federer bunny's interview fail as reality sets in

The thought of coming up against a red-hot Roger Federer has given Australian Open quarter-finalist Tomas Berdych the jitters in a hilarious interview fail.

Berdych had just beaten Italian Fabio Fognini in an ill-tempered fourth round clash 6-1 6-4 6-4 to progress to the last eight at Melbourne Park on Monday.

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The Czech was being interviewed about his win when one of the questions turned to his next match.

"Your next opponent will come from the match next on Rod Laver Arena, Marton Fucsovics or Roger Federer," commentator Ian Cohen said.

"I like your optimism," Berdych laughed before the realisation sunk in that it would inevitably be another meeting against the Swiss great.

The prospect was so daunting for Berdych that he froze up mid-sentence.

Berdych is on another collision course with old foe Federer. Pic: Getty/Ch7
Berdych is on another collision course with old foe Federer. Pic: Getty/Ch7

"Alright, what to say? How many times is it going to be? I don't know what I'm talking about," the clearly rattled Czech added before regaining his composure.

It's no surprise that the thought of Federer would give Berdych the jitters - the Swiss maestro holds a 19-6 career record against the 19th seed, including four wins out of four between the pair at the Australian Open.

The Czech probably still has last year's 6-2 6-4 6-4 loss in the last 32 at Melbourne Park fresh in his memory.

The 32-year-old's prediction was unsurprisingly spot on as Federer overcame Fucsovics 6-4 7-6 6-2 to storm into the quarter-finals.

Berdych's victory over Fognini on Monday was highlighted by a massive blow-up from the Italian in the third set.

Locked at 30-all and trying to stay on serve in the seventh game, the 30-year-old Italian was called for a foot fault on his first serve.

Fognini kicked Berdych's return high into the stands and then conceded the point with a double fault, slamming his racquet down in frustration.

He was booed by the crowd soon after for throwing his towel over the ballboy's head while he was collecting a ball.

In an unusual step following the next point -- won by Fognini to send the game to a deuce -- Berdych approached the chair umpire.

Fognini is well known for his antics and Berdych was disappointed with the umpire's non-reaction. Pic: Getty/Channel 7
Fognini is well known for his antics and Berdych was disappointed with the umpire's non-reaction. Pic: Getty/Channel 7

Seemingly complaining that his opponent was not given any warnings or code violations for his antics, the Czech was unhappy and pleaded for an intervention.

"Perfect play," Berdych could be heard saying after appearing to reference Fognini's blow-ups while counting his fingers.