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Andy Murray Wimbledon 2021
Tennis News

Normal service resumes as Murray eases past Karlovic


Murray needed just an hour and 56 minutes to defeat the big-serving Croatian 6-1 6-4 7-6(3) and reach the fourth round at Roland Garros for the seventh time in his career.

“Obviously any match you play, the quicker you get it done, the better, especially in these events when the best of five it can go long,” Murray said. “It was nice to win quickly today. It gives me a chance to kind of recover from the first few days, which is good.”

After successfully navigating his way past one big server, Murray will face another in the fourth round with American John Isner standing between the two-time Grand Slam champion and a place in the quarter-finals. However, Murray expects an altogether different challenge.

“John plays a bit more from the baseline, a bit more consistent from the back of the court,” Murray said of Isner, who defeated Teymuraz Gabashvili 7-6(7) 4-6 2-6 6-4 6-2. “He doesn’t volley as well. They’re obviously both two big guys with great serves, but they are quite different in the way that they play and the way they hit the ball.

“Ivo uses predominantly slice off his backhand. John doesn’t use the slice as much.  John is maybe a bit more patient from the back of the court. Ivo, when he gets a forehand he tries to finish the point immediately. So quite different game styles, even though they are both big guys.”


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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.