Melbourne, Jan 21: Nadal's quest for the "Rafa Slam" is on. But one man who could pour waters in to the Spaniard's aspiration, and is arguably the best male tennis player ever, Roger Federer is striding his way through the Australian Open.

Winner of the most grand slam titles, Federer took another step towards the title of Australian Open 2011, by beating Xavier Mallise 6-3, 6-3, 6-1 to move in to the fourth round of the tournament.

Federer dominated the game for the most part. He broke Mallise's serve seven times and hit 36 winners as well as 36 unforced errors. This is his eighth victory over the Belgian in nine matches.

If Federer manages to win the title, he will become the second man since Roy Emerson to win the Australian open five times. Emerson won it six times. With this victory the Swiss legend became the winner of the most matches of the Open era at the Australian open.

OneIndia News