Murray, Tsonga through to last eight

Cruise control ... Murray cruises past a deflated Simon. Source: Rob Griffith / AAP

It was the fourth-round Australian Open win Novak Djokovic probably wishes he'd had.

Andy Murray swept an ailing Gilles Simon off court in straight sets in time for an early dinner - a stark contrast to the man whom the Scot may meet in Sunday's final.

Australian Open: Mens Singles

Round 4, 21/01/13

Sim (14)	3	1	3
Mur (3)	6	6	6

Djokovic spent more than five hours on court to eventually finish off Stanislas Wawrinka in the early hours of Monday morning.

Fourteenth seed Simon, who had played a five-set marathon the previous round against Gael Monfils, appeared to also be suffering from some sort of 'flu, coughing and blowing his nose regularly during the match.

But Murray barely broke sweat in Monday's 6-3 6-1 6-3 victory.

He broke Simon's serve six times in the first two sets, and grabbed an early third set break before breaking again to win the match in one hour and 35 minutes.

Murray admitted Simon appeared to be struggling, but attempted to focus only on his game rather than the problems of his opponent.

"I just have to try to focus on my side of the court, but clearly he was struggling with his movement today,'' Murray said.

Murray now plays another Frenchman, surprise packet Jeremy Chardy, in the quarter-finals.

Chardy beat Murray the last time they played in the Cincinnati Open last year.

Chardy won through with a 5-7 6-3 6-2 6-2 victory over Italian 21st seed Andreas Seppi.

In five previous appearances at Melbourne Park, he'd never made it further than the second round with his former best grand slam effort the fourth round at the French Open back in 2008.

Chardy, 25, was excited to be playing in the second week also beating sixth seed Argentine Juan Del Potro en route.

"I'm very happy,'' he said.

"I didn't play very well since the beginning of the year.

"After my first win I feel more relaxed, more confident and now I'm in the quarter-final; like a dream.''

Spurred on by his new Australian coach Roger Rasheed, Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga moved a step closer to an elusive grand slam title with a fourth round win at Melbourne Park.

Seventh seed Tsonga skipped to a 6-4 3-6 6-3 6-2 win over good friend Richard Gasquet on Monday.

Tsonga, whose best grand slam result was runner-up here to Novak Djokovic in 2008, linked with Rasheed, a long-time mentor for Lleyton Hewitt, late last year.

Showing a clear liking for Australian conditions, Tsonga was also a semi-finalist in Melbourne in 2010 and has reached the final four at Wimbledon for the past two years, including a stunning upset of Roger Federer in a quarter-final last year.

The 27-year-old wouldn't reveal what Rasheed had focused on since taking over the coaching reins but said Rasheed had ignited his desire to win.

"It's great because he's always positive,'' Tsonga said.

Australian Open: Mens Singles

Round 4, 21/01/13

Tso (7)	6	3	6	6
Gas (9)	4	6	3	2

"He want maybe more than me to win.

"I try to be at his level and have exactly the same motivation because I think he can move some mountains because he is very motivated.''

Ranked No.8 in the world, the talented Frenchman hired Rasheed, who has also worked with compatriot Gael Monfils, in the hope the Australian can help him claim a grand slam and become the world's best player.

Australian Open: Mens Singles

Round 4, 21/01/13

Cha	5	6	6	6
Sep (21)	7	3	2	2

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Tsonga said he felt different approaching the Open with a local in his corner.

"Last year I was by myself,'' he said.

"It's just great to be with him; he gives me good advice so I hope I will continue to play good tennis and I hope we'll have come victories together.''

Tsonga joined another Frenchman in the quarter finals, with Jeremy Chardy advancing to his first final eight in a grand slam on his 21st attempt.

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