Roger Federer has played down his achievement of reaching 35 consecutive grand slam quarter-finals with a win over Milos Raonic.
The 17-time grand slam champion eased past Canadian 13th seed Raonic with a 6-4 7-6 (7-4) 6-2 win at the Australian Open on Monday.
Federer has now reached the last eight at 35 consecutive grand slams - the 2004 French Open, when he lost to Brazilian Gustavo Kuerten in the third round, was the last time he failed to do so.
With characteristically humility, the 31-year-old Swiss said the changing conditions had allowed him to achieve the feat.
"Obviously times have changed. Conditions have slowed down," Federer said.
"So many times, even if I did have problems, I did find a way to come through and survive and go deep in the tournament, often even win it."
In yet another fine display at Melbourne Park, Federer lost just 12 points when serving against Raonic.
And the world number two, who hit 34 winners and only 12 unforced errors, was pleased with his performance. Federer is yet to drop a set – or a service game – ahead of his quarter-final against French seventh seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.