World number two Novak Djokovic led a parade of champions that included Roger Federer and Andy Murray into the third round of the Sony Open in Miami.

The best of men’s and women’s tennis was on display at Crandon Park with the winners of over 30 grand slam singles titles all in centre court action.

After Federer and Djokovic’s successes, Venus Williams registered a straight sets win and Li Na advanced in a walkover, it was left to defending champion Murray to provide a bit of late night drama, taming Australian Matthew Ebden 3-6 6-0 6-1 as the clock approached midnight.

After a year’s absence, fifth seeded Federer celebrated his return to the Miami hardcourts with a clinical 6-4 7-6 win over towering Ivo Karlovic while world number two Djokovic launched his bid for a fourth Miami title in impressive fashion, dispatching Jeremy Chardy 6-4 6-3.

A twice winner at Crandon Park, Federer did not visit Miami last year, taking an extended layoff before starting his season. But he looked quite at home, needing just 74 minutes to slay the 6-foot, 11-inch (2.11m) Croatian.

“I was able to play a very clean match on my service games throughout, make sure I had a lot of first serves in, make sure I stayed aggressive from the baseline,” said Federer.

Federer, who had been dismissed as a fading force following last year’s disappointing campaign, has hit back at his critics on the court, clinching the 78th title of his career in Dubai earlier this month, while reaching the finals in Brisbane and last week in Indian Wells, where he lost to Djokovic.

Djokovic jumped out to a 4-1 lead in the opening set before breaking Frenchman Chardy to secure a 1-0 lead.

There was only one break in the second set and that went to Djokovic, who nosed in front 5-3 before serving out for victory.