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Maria Sharapova's path to the fourth round wasn't as smooth as Federer's but the Russian did finally see off France's Alize Cornet 6-1 7-6.

"She started playing better when I gave her some chances," said the 2008 champion. "After my last match I'm just glad to be through and have another day to recover.

"I definitely need to step it up - every player will need to raise their game."

There was a slight upset in the women's draw as 10th seed Caroline Wozniacki was beaten 4-6 7-5 6-3 by Garbine Muguruza.

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Andy Murray isn't the only player who has been performing in Melbourne Park. Roger Federer made sure of his place in the fourth round with a comfortable 6-2 6-2 6-3 victory over Teymuraz Gabashvili.

"I'm happy that from my side I'm winning my matches in straight sets," said Federer. "It's been different conditions every match - the heat first and the indoor match and now normal conditions with a bit of wind. So it's just good to get through and get a good feel out there."

Men's singles results

Murray's next opponent will be Stephane Robert, the first man in history to make the fourth round after losing in qualifying. To explain a bit more, the Frenchman received a "lucky loser" place to the main draw when another player withdrew.

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"Andy Murray gave evidence that he could yet be a contender for the title," says BBC Sport's Piers Newbery in Melbourne of the Wimbledon champion's impressive third-round win.

Reach up to the sky and then touch your toes. Now breathe. That should blow out the early-morning cobwebs. Three matches in five days after back surgery? A piece of cake and not just any cake because Feliciano Lopez was not an opponent to be trifled with. It's another straight-sets victory for Andy Murray and the Briton seems to have found his groove.

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