Federer, Murray show no mercy

MELBOURNE - Agence France-Presse

Roger Federer of Switzerland serves during his 4th round match against Milos Raonic of Canada at the Australian Open Grand Slam tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, 21 January 2013. EPA/Dennis Sabangan

Roger Federer tamed big-serving Canadian Milos Raonic while Andy Murray showed an ailing Gilles Simon no mercy as they swept into the Australian Open quarterfinals yesterday.

The pair was joined by Jeremy Chardy and former finalist Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, who powered past another Frenchman Richard Gasquet to set up a meeting against 17-time Grand Slam king Federer.

The Swiss ace was forced through a tough second set tiebreak by Raonic but held his nerve and raced to 6-4, 7-6 (7/4), 6-2 win in 1hr 53min to reach his 35th consecutive Grand Slam quarter-final.

“I’ve got good reflexes,” he said in explaining how he got to grips with tall Canadian’s rocket serves.

U.S. Open champion Murray was too physical for the troubled French 14th seed Simon, still struggling after a marathon match over the weekend, as he won 6-3, 6-1, 6-3 in 1hr 35min.

Simon was barely mobile around the court following Saturday’s nearly five-hour win over fellow Frenchman Gael Monfils, and he was a spent force late in the match.

“I have to try and focus on my side of the court. He’s one of the best movers on the tour and he was clearly struggling in his movement today,” Murray said.