The fifth seed and two-time former champion lost just seven of his service points in a 6-3, 6-3 victory over qualifier Thiemo de Bakker in 63 minutes.
Federer, who won 49 of his 52 service points against Ivo Karlovic in the second round, improved to a 43-12 record in Miami, where he lifted the 2005 (d. Nadal) and 2006 (d. Ljubicic) trophies. He is attempting to capture his 22nd ATP World Tour Masters 1000 title.
The Swiss will next look to improve on his 11-2 Head to Head record against ninth seed Richard Gasquet, who saved all five break points he faced to defeat No. 17 seed Kevin Anderson 6-3, 6-4 in just over 90 minutes. Federer beat Anderson en route to the BNP Paribas Open final last week.
“We have played many times now and I'm not sure how he's playing right now,” said Federer, looking ahead to his match against Gasquet. “I have to find a little bit. He's got great game [ad] gives himself time, sort of that extra second of time on each shot - forehand and backhand.
"He's a good all around player. With the wind and the slower conditions, it works quite well for him. I think it's going to be a tough match for me.”
Federer won the first set in 34 minutes, hitting nine winners and converting one of his five break point opportunities against de Bakker. He hit a further 14 winners in the second set, which included two service breaks.
Federer, 32, has compiled a 21-3 match record this year, which includes lifting his 78th trophy at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships (d. Berdych). He also finished runner-up at the Brisbane International (l. to Hewitt) and at Indian Wells (l. to Djokovic).
Date: 23rd March 2014, Source: ATP
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