Tennis news - Dan Evans has nothing to lose in Roger Federer battle, says Mats Wilander

Federer thumped Denis Istomin in his first-round match while Evans overcame Tatsuma Ito in his opener to set up the afternoon clash this Wednesday.

It was only last April when Evans returned from a 12-month drugs ban, but his victory over Ito has raised hopes he can emulate the form which took him to the Australian Open fourth round in 2017.

"The moment is going to be huge – playing Federer on Rod Laver Arena will be massive," said Eurosport tennis expert and seven-time Grand Slam winner Wilander.

"You come out and think 'I’m back in business'. He’ll be pinching himself saying: 'I’m playing Roger Federer on Rod Laver Arena and he’s 37 years-old and I’m talented and I can give him a real match here'.

“So, I would say he goes into the match with really high confidence thinking he has a chance to win the match. He has nothing to lose.”

The confirmed afternoon slot for Federer's clash with Evans brings to light the inflammatory comments made by retired French player Julien Benneteau towards the end of the 2018 season.

Federer has played 13 of his last 15 Australian Open matches at night, and Benneteau claimed the Swiss received favourable treatment with the cooler conditions as a result of his relationship with tournament director Craig Tiley.

Evan will hope to capitalise on the warmer temperature, and Wilander believes the Brit will be a dangerous opponent for Federer.

He added: "I think he can go back to the level he was at, and beyond, because he’s talented and he’s had a slap on the wrist, due to his irresponsible behaviour, but he’s a human being and he’s allowed to make a mistake, or two, as long as he learns from them.

“The level of his talent and the understanding of the game, plus his speed, is a major advantage with the way the game is heading. Power is big, but movement is essential, and he is as quick as anyone. A bad result against Federer would be a straight-sets loss with several breaks.

"A good result for him would be winning a set and threatening to break in others.”