Ferrer, Wawrinka, Berdych into third round

Spain’s David Ferrer battled his way into third round of the Australian Open with a 7-6(2) 5-7 6-0 6-3 victory over Adrian Mannarino after the Frenchman wilted in the fierce heat.

The world number three specialises in grinding his opponents down with his baseline hustling and that is exactly what happened in his encounter with Mannarino, who made 73 unforced errors over the four sets.

Mannarino looked to be struggling in temperatures in excess of 37 degree Celsius (99 Fahrenheit) during the last two sets on Hisense Arena and Ferrer finished him off in shade over three hours with a forehand winner after a 24-shot rally. Ross Barkley a key role in his midfield and has seen the 20-year-old blossom as a result, winning his first senior England cap and putting himself in with a good chance of securing a place in Roy Hodgson’s World Cup squad.

Barkley is contracted until 2016, having signed a long-term deal in December 2011, but could also be in line for a new contract in line with his rising importance to the side.