LONDON -- Andy Murray breezed into the Wimbledon quarterfinals with a straight-sets victory over Benoit Paire.
Defending champion Murray fended off a strong start from the Frenchman to seal a 7-6 (1), 6-4, 6-4 win on Centre Court Monday. He is just the third player in the Open era after Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer to reach 10 consecutive quarterfinals at a single grand slam.
"Today was by far the best I hit the ball, the cleanest I hit the ball," Murray said in his postmatch press conference. "I was happy about that. Last couple of days, practice has been really good, as well.
"I didn't feel great during my last match. I didn't feel like I played so well, not loads of rhythm in the first two matches. I definitely felt better today. You know, that's positive moving into the last few days of the tournament."
With Johanna Konta reaching the quarterfinals of the women's draw, Great Britain has a representative in the last eight of both singles draws for the first time since 1973 (Roger Taylor and Virginia Wade) and also for the first time in Open Era.
"I think Jo has done -- it's not just about this tournament, but over the last 18 months, two years, has done great," Murray said.
"It's important to have various different role models in the sport, players competing for the biggest events. I do think it makes a difference to the interest in the sport, because a lot of people who follow tennis in this country won't enjoy watching me play. It's true, you know."
Murray will play American Sam Querrey next for a place in the semifinals.
"He'll be confident going in," Murray said.
"Obviously he's got a big serve. He goes for his shots. Very aggressive player. He's not an easy guy to break. When he's ahead, he can serve well. He's a good frontrunner. I'll need to make sure I'm serving well and not letting him dictate too much."