Australian Open 2012: day eight – in pictures

Great Britain's Andy Murray in action in the fourth round against Mikhail Kukushkin Photograph: Jason O'Brien/Action Images

Kim Sears, the girlfriend of Andy Murray, watches his singles match against Kukushkin Photograph: Daniel Munoz/Reuters

Kukushkin hits a shot against Murray in their match Photograph: Nicolas Asfouri/AFP/Getty Images

Murray tries to cool off with an ice pack in high temperatures Photograph: Barbara Walton/EPA

Murray attempts a two-handed return Photograph: Jason O'Brien/Action Images

Murray gestures up into the stands during the post-match interview with former US player and TV commentator Jim Courier after his victory against Kukushkin Photograph: William West/AFP/Getty Images

Murray signs autographs for fans Photograph: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Australian fans cheer Lleyton Hewitt of Australia as he walks on court for his fourth-round match against Novak Djokovic Photograph: How Hwee Young/EPA

Hewitt plays a shot Photograph: Rick Rycroft/AP

Djokovic plays a forehand Photograph: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Hewitt falls after returning a shot Photograph: Mark Blinch/Reuters

Djokovic shakes hands with Hewitt after winning the match Photograph: Ahmad Yusni/EPA

Maria Sharapova of Russia in action against Sabine Lisicki of Germany Photograph: David Crosling/EPA

Sharapova hits a backhand Photograph: How Hwee Young/EPA

Sharapova screams after winning a point against Lisicki Photograph: John Donegan/AP

Lisicki chases down a ball Photograph: Andrew Brownbill/AP

Lisicki plays a shot Photograph: William West/AFP/Getty Images

The sun sets over the Melbourne skyline as Lisicki plays Sharapova Photograph: Mark Blinch/Reuters

Ball boys cast shadows across court Photograph: How Hwee Young/EPA

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France changes his shoes during a break between games against Kei Nishikori of Japan Photograph: Toby Melville/Reuters

Sara Errani of Italy hits a return to Zheng Jie of China Photograph: Tim Wimborne/Reuters

Jie hits a return to Errani Photograph: Darren Whiteside/Reuters