Murray not getting carried away

 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:45

Murray swatted aside Radek Stepanek 6-4 6-1 in a stunning display on Thursday and will next face world number 55 Julien Benneteau, who beat Guillermo Garcia-Lopez. Although the 22-year-old Scot will start a huge favourite against the Frenchman, he knows he can take nothing for granted if he is to go all the way to make a successful defence of his title.

“I’ve only played him once before at Wimbledon and it was quite a tough match in four sets,” Murray told Sky Sports Xtra.

“He got in as a lucky loser and sometimes when that happens guys really go for it and they’ve got nothing to lose, and I’m sure it will be a tricky match. But I’m feeling good.”

The manner of Murray’s win over Stepanek, coming swiftly after his title triumph in Montreal last week, sent another message of intent to his rivals ahead of the US Open next month.

In contrast to Federer, who stumbled past David Ferrer, Murray controlled his match against the Czech player from the start, breaking in the second game and closing out the first set despite initially failing to serve out.

In the second set Murray stepped up a gear, firing back a series of blistering returns to overwhelm Stepanek, a gutsy customer who has only recently returned from a knee injury.

Stepanek’s qualities were evident as he saved four match points to prolong the inevitable and avoid a second set whitewash at 5-0, but Murray served out to continue his stunning hard-court run.

Murray added: “I just need to keep the run going as long as possible because sometimes it’s tough to get your confidence really high. I’ve been playing well so far and will try to keep it going.”

Now get the WORLD’S BEST TENNIS MAGAZINE here