AE Sports

Murray Joins Nadal/Federer in Quarter Final

Andy Murray came through his first rocky moments at this year’s Australian Open to beat French ‘lucky loser’ Stephane Robert in four sets and line up a heavyweight quarter-final.

The three-time finalist won 6-1 6-2 6-7 (6-8) 6-2 in two hours and 42 minutes to reach the last eight.

There he will meet Roger Federer after the four-time champion swept past Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in straight sets.

The 17-time Grand Slam champion beat the Frenchman 6-3 7-5 6-4 to set up a quarter-final with Andy Murray.

Rafael Nadal overcame a nasty blister and being called for time violations to beat Japan’s 16th seed Kei Nishikori 7-6 (7-3) 7-5 7-6 (7-3).

Victoria Azarenka remains on course for a third straight Australian Open title after she beat Sloane Stephens 6-3 6-2.