In just his second tournament since having a back operation last year Murray, began the week cautious about his chances of securing a third Grand Slam.

But, after sweeping aside Spaniard Feliciano Lopez 7-6, 6-4, 6-2, the Briton's hopes will be steadily rising.

He will be confident in his next match against France's Stephane Robert, the first man ever to make the fourth round after initially qualifying only as a "lucky loser" when, having been knocked out in the qualifying rounds, he grabbed a spot after Germany's Philipp Kohlschreiber withdrew with injury.

Federer, meanwhile, was similarly comfortable when advancing to the fourth round for the 13th consecutive year with a comprehensive win over Russia's Teymuraz Gabashvili 6-2, 6-2, 6-3.

If the Swiss is to face Murray, however, he will have to first overcome French rival Jo Wilfred Tsonga after the Frenchman beat compatriot Gilles Simon 7-6, 6-4. 6-2.

Roger Federer also swept through to the last 16 in three impressive sets ©AFP/Getty Images



Spain's number one seed Rafael Nadal - who could meet the likes of Murray and Federer in the semi-finals - also won 6-1, 6-2, 6-3 again 25th seed Gael Monfils of France.

On the women's side of the draw, Russia's Maria Sharapova was similarly dominant as she swept aside France's Alice Cornet 6-1, 7-6.

Belarusia's second seeded Victoria Azarenka is also safely through after beating Austrian Yvonne Meusburger 6-1, 6-0, while Garbiñe Muguruza Blanco of Spain got the better of former world number one Carolin Wozniacki of Denmark 4-6, 7-5, 6-3.

If that was the biggest surprise of the day, the biggest relief to most was the weather which, after the sweltering 40 degrees Celcius plus temperatures of earlier in the week cooled to a more sedate, if windy, 20 degrees Celcius. 

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