Federer advances to 4th round at Australian Open

Roger Federer of Switzerland hits a return to Teymuraz Gabashvili of Russia during their men's singles match at the Australian Open 2014 tennis tournament in Melbourne January 18, 2014.[photo/Agencies]

MELBOURNE -- Roger Federer brushed aside Russian Teymuraz Gabashvili 6-2, 6-2 and 6-3 to reach the fourth round at the Australian Open here on Saturday.

It is the 13th consecutive year for the Swiss 17-time Grand Slam champion to advance to the top 16 at the Melbourne Park. The Swiss will next meet 2008 finalist Jo-Wilfried Tsonga or No.18 seed Gilles Simon.

Federer's wife, Mirka, and their twin daughters were in the arena watching against Gabashvili. The couple is expecting another child later in the year.

"The last time Mirka was pregnant I played fairly well, won the French and Winbeledon." said the Swiss, in reference to 2009. "So lots of pressure there."

And the only other time Federer and Gabashvili net, which was at Winbeldon in 2007, Federer also won in straight sets and went on to clinch the tournament.