Murray through to last eight

 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:33

The 6-4 6-4 win, achieved in just under 70 minutes, set up a last-eight clash against American Mardy Fish.

“Once I got the break in the first set, I felt more comfortable and went for my shots a bit more,” said Murray.

Garcia-Lopez held serve to win the opening game but he was not able to build on his good start as a powerful Murray won the second game without conceding a point.

Murray’s serve was proving problematical to his opponent and at 136mph, the Scot was on top as he quickly restored parity at 2-2.

There was an anxious moment for the Spaniard when he slipped and fell awkwardly but he produced a fine forehand over the net to make it 15-all in the fifth game and went on to hold serve again. World number three Murray made it 4-4 and then two unforced errors handed him the chance to break serve for the first time.

Although Garcia-Lopez managed to fight back and take the game to deuce, an over-hit return gave Murray the break he needed. A return into the net then gave the 22-year-old set point and a fabulous cross-court forehand ensured the Briton secured the set 6-4.

The second set began with Garcia-Lopez producing a fabulous back-hand down the line to stun Murray, who quickly levelled the scores – but Garcia-Lopez hit back with a love game that kept him ahead.

However, Garcia-Lopez’s resistance looked to have been beaten at last in the fifth game when Murray went into a 40-love lead – courtesy of some wayward returns from his opponent. The Scot seized the chance with consummate efficiency to break serve for only the second time in the match.

Murray then built on his opportunity with some powerhouse first serves and eventually secured a place in the last eight of the championships for the second successive year.

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