Andy Murray survived a few wobbles to defeat Mikhail Youzhny in straight sets and reach the Wimbledon quarter-finals for the sixth successive year.
The world number two had been superb in his first three matches but had to show his fighting qualities today, particularly in the second set as he recovered from five games to two down and then from 5-3 behind in a tie-break.
Youzhny was a quarter-finalist here last year and is a talented grass-court player, but the third set was largely one-way traffic as Murray came through 6-4 7-6 (7/5) 6-1 to make the last eight, where he will meet Spain’s Fernando Verdasco.
Youzhny took a medical timeout before the start of the third set for treatment to his right shoulder, and immediately threatened the Murray serve once more.
There was confusion all round as Murray made a late decision to play a ball he thought was out, appealing to the line judge and umpire in vain.
That brought up a second break point but the Scot saved it with an ace and then took advantage of a poor game from his opponent to break to love for a 2-0 lead.
Youzhny’s threat had passed, and another break gave Murray a 5-1 advantage and the chance to serve for it.
He set up a first match point with a sizzling forehand winner and put away a volley to clinch victory after two hours and 37 minutes.