Andy Murray storms into the French Open quarter-finals after straight-sets win over Russian youngster Karen Khachanov
British and world No1 booked his place in the last eight at Roland Garros with a 6-3 6-4 6-4 win over the 21-year-old
ANDY MURRAY went Russian into the French Open quarter finals with an impressive quickfire victory.
A vintage Murray performance sealed a 6-3 6-4 6-4 win over Karen Khachanov and confirmed the world No1’s claim that he was playing himself into top form just when it matters most.
The big Russian is tipped by John McEnroe e a top 10 player in the near future.
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But the man who sits on top of the rankings right now taught Khachanov a lesson about what it would take to get there.
It is safe to say Murray is looking very much like himself again.
The opening set was a repeat of so many during his years of excellence, a masterclass in patience and ruthless execution, a well-judged blend of attack and defence.
A forehand return winner brought up the first break point of the match in the sixth game. Some trademark chasing down kept the next rally going until Khachanov missed.
Murray served it out with an ace, just to rub it in.
When Khachanov gave up another break with a double fault in the third game of the second set, it looked like it would be utterly plain sailing through to the last eight.
But a Murray mishit gave the Russian his first break point and a forehand into the net gave him the game.
No need to panic, though, as Khachanov double faulted again to offer up two break points, the second of which he lost with a netted backhand.
The pattern repeated itself at the start of the third set, as Khachanov put himself in trouble with yet another double fault and could not quite dig himself out of it, saving three break points but not the fourth.
Victory was beckoning but then Murray wavered. A failed drop shot gave Khachanov two break points and a long backhand allowed him to level the score at 4-4.
Again, though, the rebellion was soon crushed. Murray broke the Russian in the next game and completed victory in two hours and four minutes.
The Brit No1 will now face Kei Nishikori in the quarter-finals.
Murray used his post-match interview to speak about the recent terror attacks in the UK.
Murray said: "There was a terrible tragedy in London. We also had one in Manchester only six or seven days ago.
"Paris has also had some problems in the last year or two. I'm sure everybody would join me in sharing our thoughts and prayers with those affected by this.
"It's something that's affected huge parts of Europe and all over the world. We want things to get better.
"I appreciate everyone still coming out to support the tennis and creating a fantastic atmosphere and I'm grateful that I can come out and play in front of you."
