Defending champion Roger Federer has eased his way into the fourth round of the BNP Paribas Open with a straight-sets victory over Filip Krajinovic.

The 20-time Grand Slam winner is looking to claim a record sixth title at Indian Wells and he made light work of Serbian Krajinovic, as he prevailed 6-2 6-1 in a match that lasted just 58 minutes.

The world number one, who needs to reach at least the semi-finals this week to preserve his place at the top of the rankings, is yet to drop a set at the tournament and he admitted that he expected to face a sterner test of his credentials against 25th seed Krajinovic.

“My level was good. Filip’s wasn’t so good and then things go quickly,” Federer told Sky Sports.

“It was a good match for me – I expected it to be much tougher and I know Filip can play much better so I just tried to stretch the lead and I was able to mix stuff up with the slice, drop shot and the spins and he really struggled today.”

Federer’s reward for reaching the last 16 is a clash with Frenchman Jeremy Chardy on Wednesday.

Chardy beat compatriot Adrian Mannarino to reach round four, but unsurprisingly he has struggled against Federer in the past, winning just one of their four previous meetings.

Indeed, Federer comprehensively won 6-2 6-1 when they last met in Monte Carlo three years ago and the Swiss ace is priced at 1.02 to claim another victory on Wednesday, while Chardy is available at 10.00.