Federer beats Dimitrov to claim milestone win at Australian Open

Roger Federer has claimed his 300th win in a Grand Slam on Day 5 of the Australian Open, but he didn't have it all his own way against third-round opponent Grigor Dimitrov.

Dimitrov, often referred to as 'Baby Fed' on tour due to his remarkably similar style to the 17-time Slam winner, managed to snatch a set from the Swiss legend on Friday. But Federer, 34, recovered to win 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4.

In his four previous meetings against the 24-year-old, Federer - 10 years Dimitrov's senior - had won them all. The four-set win, however, was Federer's first against the rising star in a Slam.

But, under the roof at Rod Laver Arena (RLA), the third-seed admitted the young apprentice gave him a big scare.

"(He) was playing well and I thought I was struggling a little bit," Federer told the Seven network courtside.

"It was an important start to the third set (well). Thankfully, I got the early break and was able to stay in the lead."

The 27th-seeded Bulgarian, known for his Federer-esque one-handed backhand, has now lost his past seven matches against top-10 players.

The victory means Federer is the first man to accumulate 300 singles wins at any of the four majors, and also made him the oldest player to make the fourth round of the Australian Open men's draw since American Andre Agassi in 2005.

Federer will play David Goffin for a place in the last eight on Sunday, after the crafty Belgian won through in four sets against Austrian Dominic Thiem. Endit