Murray soars, Kerber crashes

The world number one will face Sam Querrey, who he leads 7-1 in career meetings, for a place in the semi-finals.

"I thought I played well. Maybe a couple of sloppy service games in the first set but that was by far the best I'd hit the ball so far in the tournament. So I'm really pleased with that," said Murray.

"He's not an easy guy to play. He's got one of the best backhands."

Only Roger Federer and Jimmy Connors (11 each) have reached more consecutive Wimbledon quarter-finals than Murray.

The 30-year-old's progress is particularly noteworthy as he came into the tournament nursing a hip injury.

"Two weeks ago I was resting, I was also a little bit concerned when you're having issues a few days before a big event, it's frustrating," said Murray.

"But I've managed it well and I think I've played some good stuff.

"That was the best I've played so far in the tournament.I'm doing well so hopefully I keep it up."

Murray has now beaten French opponents 26 times in a row and the world No46 rarely looked like stemming the flow of despair. He perhaps was bamboozled early on by Murray's between-point limp which almost magically disappeared when hunting down Paire's flurry of drop-shots.

At other times, though, Murray did not exactly move well. But, as he has done so many times, he found a way to win. Now he needs to find a way to raise his level, because he was not entirely convincing here on day seven.

Meanwhile, Angelique Kerber crashed out of Wimbledon and lost her hold on the world number one ranking, while five-time champion Venus Williams became the oldest All England Club quarter-finalist in 23 years on Monday.

Amid a scheduling row that saw accusations of sexism aimed at Wimbledon chiefs after they put just two women's matches on the main show-courts, Williams wasn't the only star savouring a historic last 16 triumph.

Johanna Konta, the bookmakers' favourite for the title, became the first British woman to reach the quarter-finals since Jo Durie in 1984.

Kerber was beaten 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 by Spanish 14th seed Garbine Muguruza as the German's fourth round exit extended a miserable run for last year's Wimbledon runner-up.

The 29-year-old, who lost to Serena Williams in the final 12 months ago, has failed to make the last eight at any of this year's three Grand Slams.

Kerber was unfazed by her ranking blow, saying: "I know the feeling already to be No. 1. I know the feeling to be No. 2, in the top 10.

"It was the best match for a long time for me, so I think I'm still on a good way even though I lost."

Kerber, who had taken the top ranking from Serena in March, will be replaced at number one by either Karolina Pliskova or Simona Halep.

Seven-time major winner Venus, who clinched the last of her Wimbledon titles in 2008, will hope to emulate Navratilova, who went on to reach the final 23 years ago.

"I'm playing pretty solid. Winning never gets old at any stage in your career, ever," said Venus, who expressed sympathy for Kerber over her court row.