Big names through to fourth round

Wimbledon great Roger Federer talks to cricket great Sachin Tendulkar during day six [GALLO/GETTY]

The top four seeds of the men’s tournament have kept their Wimbledon hopes alive after Federer, Nadal and Djokovic joined Murray in the final 16 on Saturday.

Six-time champion Federer defeated David Nalbandian 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 to move closer to equalling Pete Sampras’ record of seven Wimbledon titles.

Federer, who lost to Berdych in the quarter-finals in 2010, said he is playing better than last year.

“Maybe I’m just a bit more confident on my serve,” Federer, who hasn’t dropped a set so far, said.

“And then obviously more relaxed on the baseline and on the return, and it seems like it’s working. But it’s only the first week, and I hope I can keep it going.”

Federer’s next opponent will be 18th-seeded Mikhail Youzhny, a Russian who downed No. 16 Nicolas Almagro 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (3), 6-3.

“Monday will be kind of cool when all the men play at the same time” Roger Federer

Monday’s schedule will feature all men’s and women’s fourth round matches, the busiest day in Grand Slam tennis.

“Monday will be kind of cool when all the men play at the same time,” said 29-year-old third seed Federer.

Reigning champion Rafa Nadal was in miserly mood as he reached the business end of Wimbledon with a 7-6, 7-6, 6-0 third round victory over Luxembourg’s Gilles Muller.

The top seed returned to Court One a set to the good after rain had interrupted his progress on Friday and after some dogged resistance from wildcard Muller, the last man to beat him here other than Roger Federer, Nadal roared through.

“Not lucky”

Nadal, who committed just three unforced errors in the match, faces a real test in the last 16 where 2009 U.S. champion Juan Martin del Potro awaits after the Argentine completed victory over Frenchman Gilles Simon.

“I’m not lucky to play against Del Potro in the round of 16,” Nadal said.

Although Martin del Potro is 24th-seeded, Nadal doesn’t believe this is an accurate reflection of his ability.

“He’s a very, very tough opponent. One of the best players in the world,” said Nadal.

“His ranking for sure is much better than what the ranking says today… When he’s healthy, he must be in the top five of the ranking normally. So will be a very tough opponent for me.”

World number two Novak Djokovic had a tougher battle against Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis.

Despite the odd fall, Serena Williams has shown she is in good form during her last three games [GALLO/GETTY]

After over three hours on court he eventually claimed his place in the fourth round with a 6-4, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory.

The fans of Wimbledon’s Centre Court got behind underdog Baghdatis after a number of sensational rallies where the Cypriot just wouldn’t give up. 

Fifth seed Robin Soderling became the highest men’s seed to fall, beaten in straight sets by 18-year-old Australian qualifier Bernard Tomic. But sixth seed Tomas Berdych is looking a threat again after an easy third round win over Alex Bogomolov Jr. Mardy Fish is now the sole American survivor in the men’s draw.

“It’s lonely. It doesn’t feel great,” said Fish.

Serena Williams, chasing a third straight title and fifth overall in her comeback from nearly a year out with serious health problems, served 10 aces in downing 26th-seeded Maria Kirilenko 6-3, 6-2.

Williams, who was angry to have been exiled to Court Two for her previous match, said she expected a tough challenge against Bartoli.

“She won at Eastbourne. She’s doing really well, it should be a great match.”

Williams needs to make the semi-finals to ensure that she doesn’t drop out of the world’s top 100.

Maria Sharapova, the 2004 women’s champion, took her customary place in the second week as the fifth seed overpowered Czech Klara Zakopalova 6-2, 6-3 after the Russian was given a noon appointment on Court Two.

Caroline Wozniacki was up-graded to Centre Court as the expected sunshine and higher temperatures took a while to materialise and the Dane maintained her trouble-free start with a 6-3, 6-2 defeat of 27th-seeded Jarmila Gajdosova.

Former world number one Ana Ivanovic was sent packing by Czech Petra Cetkovska and last year’s French Open winner Francesca Schiavone was bundled out by Austrian Tamira Paszek.

With the British weather set to improve, Monday should see the world’s best compete on the same day for a place in the quarter-finals.