Australian Open 2013: Federer beats home favourite Tomic

Four-time champion Roger Federer made short work of local favourite Bernard Tomic to reach the fourth round.

In the women's draw, defending champion Victoria Azarenka survived a scare before edging past American Jamie Hampton into round four.

Serena Williams also triumphed against Ayumi Morita, but men's sixth seed Juan Martin del Potro went out to France's 36th seed Jeremy Chardy.

Rod Laver Arena

Victoria Azarenka (Blr) [1] beat Jamie Hampton (US) 6-4 4-6 6-2

The Belarusian world number one showed signs of mental fragility at crucial times but came back from a break down in the deciding set to beat the 63rd-ranked Hampton.

The big-hitting Hampton struggled with back pain but led 2-1 in the third before Azarenka won five straight games to triumph in two hours nine minutes.

"She played incredibly," Azarenka said of her opponent. "She went for every single shot. She has a great future in front of her.

"She took a medical time-out but she was ripping winners all over. I thought 'can I have a back problem?!' I was feeling great but missing every shot.

"I don't think it was the best performance, honestly, today; but in another way I can say I can play better, so that's a positive note from there."

Azarenka will next play Russia's Elena Vesnina, who beat Roberta Vinci of Italy 4-6 7-6 6-4.

Serena Williams (US) [3] beat Ayumi Morita (Jpn) 6-1 6-3

Five-time champion Serena Williams was in imperious form despite needing to recover from 0-3 down in the second set to win in 66 minutes.

In the process the American set the fastest speed for a serve so far this tournament with a thunderbolt of 207kph (128.7mph) - well clear of Sabine Lisicki's next best effort of 194kph (120.6mph).

"I tried to hit it really hard," said Williams. "I hit 207 the other day and I thought it was luck. But I did it again and I was like whew! I'm going to try to go for 210."

The 31-year-old Williams, who won last year's Wimbledon and US Open titles, will next meet 14th-seeded Russian Maria Kirilenko.

"I feel good," said Williams. "I was really focused today, she played well and it was a good test."

Andy Murray (GB) [3] beat Ricardas Berankis (Ltu) 6-3 6-4 7-5

The Olympic and US Open champion admitted to struggling and getting frustrated against his hitting partner but kept his composure and worked through the problem to set up a last-16 clash against Gilles Simon.

Match report

Roger Federer (Sui) [2] beat Bernard Tomic (Aus) 6-4 7-6 6-1

Federer dismantled home favourite Tomic, the 20-year-old Australian having declared himself confident of upsetting the four-time champion.

The much-hyped clash briefly caught fire in the second set but ultimately fizzled out under the lights of Rod Laver Arena, as Federer marched to a clinical 118-minute victory.

"It's nice that you guys invite me back every year," said Federer, who was in sublime form. "It's not my favourite part of the job beating up on the home heroes."

Federer next plays 13th-seeded Canadian Milos Raonic as the Swiss legend bids for an 18th Grand Slam title and fifth at Melbourne Park.

Hisense Arena

Maria Kirilenko (Rus) [14] beat Yanina Wickmayer (Bel) [20] 7-6 6-3

Jeremy Chardy (Fra) beat Juan Martin Del Potro (Arg) [6] 6-3 6-3 6-7 3-6 6-3

The 36th-ranked Chardy upset the former US Open champion in three hours 45 minutes on Hisense Arena, removing a potentially dangerous opponent from Andy Murray's half of the draw.

"I had nothing to lose today so it was easy to play," said Chardy. "I knew that if I wanted to win the match, I had to go for it from the start.

"It's a big win for me, maybe the best of my career."

Caroline Wozniacki (Den) [10] beat Lesia Tsurenko (Ukr) 6-4 6-3

Gilles Simon (Fra) [14] beat Gael Monfils (Fra) 6-4 6-4 4-6 1-6 8-6

Gilles Simon who came through a remarkable clash with fellow Frenchman Gael Monfils 6-4 6-4 4-6 1-6 8-6 to set up an encounter with Andy Murray.

Monfils suffered a nasty fall in his match against Simon

The four hour 43 minute contest saw both players struggle physically with Simon receiving treatment for quadriceps and arm problems and Monfils for blisters on his racquet hand.

Having relinquished a two-set advantage, Simon had the chance to serve for the match at 5-4 in the fifth only to be broken. He hit back and did not miss the chance when it came again at 7-6.

"I was almost dying at the end of the second set, it was already two hours long and I thought it would be difficult," said Simon.

Margaret Court Arena

Elena Vesnina (Rus) beat Roberta Vinci (Ita) [16] 4-6 7-6 6-4

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (Fra) [7] v Blaz Kavcic (Slo) 6-2 6-1 6-4

Serena Williams (US) [12] / Venus Williams (US) [12] v Vera Dushevina (Rus) / Olga Govortsova (Blr) 6-1 6-2

Britwatch

Sloane Stephens (US) [29] beat Laura Robson (GB) 7-5 6-3

The British number two, who turns 19 on Monday, was beaten by the American 29th seed after being treated several times for a shoulder problem on Court Two.

Match report

Anett Kontaveit (Est) [10] beat Harriet Dart (GB) v 6-2 7-5

Robin Haase (Ned)/Igor Sijsling (Ned) beat Jonathan Marray (GB)/Andre Sa (Bra) [16] 6-4 7-6