Sharapova and 'Baby Fed' boyfriend Dimitrov sit pretty in Australian Open last 16

By ALIX RAMSAY

Published: 14:09 EST, 18 January 2014 | Updated: 18:05 EST, 18 January 2014

They are the golden couple of tennis and together they have waltzed hand in hand into the second week of the Australian Open.

Maria Sharapova and Grigor Dimitrov are both sitting pretty in the fourth round at Melbourne Park but while Sharapova expects to be a fixture at the sharp end of major events, her boyfriend is now entering uncharted waters. His 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 win over Milos Raonic put him into the round of 16 for the first time in his career and earned him the praise of Roger Federer, his new manager.

Last year, Federer started a new, boutique management company called Team8 and Dimitrov was one of his first signings. Dimitrov used to be called 'Baby Fed' because of the similarities between his game and that of the master.

Love game: Maria Sharapova (above) and her boyfriend Grigor Dimitrov have reached the Australian Open last 16

At a stretch: This is the first time that Dimitrov has reached that later stages of a Grand Slam

Scream team: Dimitrov and Sharapova are tennis' golden couple - attracting much attention in Melbourne

'I like his game.' Federer said. Clearly can relate to him, how he plays, because we both have a one handed backhand and we like to play sort of athletic tennis which is offensive.

'I think this year is going to be very important for him to make a big step in the rankings.  Start knocking on the door of the top 10.  I think he has what it takes to move up.'

The win over Raonic was the first step and the next will be Roberto Bautista Agut, the world No.62 and conqueror of the No.27 seed Benoit Paire yesterday. It is a great draw for Dimitrov and he feels ready to take his chances.

'I think it’s a great stepping stone for me to get into that second week,' he said. 'But I have practiced a lot. I have done a lot of homework.  So, to me, in a way it’s a bit expected.'

Sharapova took a more direct path to the fourth round, beating Alize Cornet 6-1, 7-6 and now faces Dominika Cibulkova. After almost melting in the heat two days ago, taking three-and-a-half hours to get past Karin Knapp, she was just happy to get through in straight sets yesterday. The quality of tennis was not important; the brevity of the match was all.

Roger that! Legend Federer has become Dimitrov's new manager and has been impressed with his charge

No decider: Sharapova managed to prevent her match against Alize Cornet from going to a third set

Sign when you're winning: Dimitrov has won new fans in Australia as he prepares for a 4th round match against Roberto Bautista Agut

'It was quite tough in the end,' Sharapova said. 'She had a set point and she had a chance to level the match out, which is something I probably wouldn’t want to do, is go into a third set.

'I think I can take a few positives from this match.  One being the fact that I was able to win it not playing my best tennis.'

Would that Caroline Wozniacki could say the same. She did not play her best tennis yesterday and was duly punished 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 by Spain’s Garbine Muguruza.  

Mixed doubles: Sharapova and Dimitrov pictured together on an evening out in Spain