Australian Open 2014: Andy Murray joins Roger Federer in last 16

Andy Murray reflected on a solid start to his Australian Open campaign after powering past 26th seed Feliciano Lopez to reach the fourth round.

Murray, who is playing only his second tournament since undergoing back surgery last year, sealed a 7-6 (7-2) 6-4 6-2 win on Hisense Arena in two hours and 15 minutes.

“It’s been a good start,” said Murray. “It was obviously tricky conditions in the first couple of days but today was beautiful.

“Every time I’ve come here, since I was 18 years old, the support has been great so thank you very much – and I’ll need it if I want to go further.

“I grew up playing with my brother, he is a leftie, so I got a lot of practice facing the leftie serve.”

Murray will next face France’s unseeded Stephane Robert, the first man ever to make the fourth round after losing in qualifying but getting a ‘lucky loser’ spot when another player withdrew.

Meanwhile, 17-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer booked his place in the last 16 for the 13th consecutive year with a straightforward 6-2 6-2 6-3 win over Russia’s 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 today with a bit of wind.

“So it’s just good to get through and get a good feel out there and make sure if you’ve got a chance to win your matches easier to do so.”