Roger Federer is through to the last 16 at Wimbledon after an impressive straight sets victory over Marc Gicquel.

The world No 1 was at his fluent best for much of the match, eventually easing to a 6-3, 6-3, 6-1 victory in an hour and 22 minutes. Rain delayed the start of match and when the players finally emerged on Centre Court, Gicquel took advantage of a slow start from the defending champion to break his serve in the opening game of the match.

However, the 31-year-old Frenchman, making only his second appearance at Wimbledon, soon became Federer’s 61st consecutive victim on grass. The defending champion from Switzerland took the first set with a booming ace and the second, after two breaks of serve, with a glorious forehand winner.

Federer lifted his level again at the start of the third set, racing into a 3-1 lead and closed the match out by taking the set 6-1.

"The conditions were difficult again against a tricky opponent who played very aggressively," Federer said. "The wind was swirling and I got down a break early and had to rally back but I think I played really well.

"Not losing a set is always nice and I get a couple of days off now and hopefully I will play as well again next week."

Federer will play Lleyton Hewitt in the fourth round, after the Australian came through his match with Simon Bolelli in straight sets and the Swiss expects a much tougher test. "The next round will be a lot more difficult," Federer said. "It's a great challenge to play Lleyton, he is a former world No 1 and grand-slam champion so it should be an exciting match."