Australian Open day 4: Murray keeps hopes of a grand slam win alive with straight sets victory

Andy Murray eased into the third round as he dispatched Frenchman Edouard Roger-Vasselin in straight sets. The current World No. 1 and reigning Champion Novak Djoković is also through, winning his match 6-1 6-4 6-3. In the women’s draw, Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams are both safely through, also winning their matches in straight sets. And in the day’s final game, home hero Leyton Hewitt made it through against American Andy Roddick.

Murray seemed in no mood for a close encounter, as he broke at the first opportunity, winning the opening set in just 23 minutes. Murray then broke the number 101 ranked Frenchman in the third game of the second set, as he headed to the third round for the third consecutive year. The Frenchman put up some resistance in the third set, but the world number four managed to break in the seventh game, confirming the victory in empathic fashion. Murray will play other Frenchman  Michael Llodra in the next round and should feel confident, having won 37 of 38 games against players from across the channel.

World No. 1 Novak Djoković hardly broke sweat and easily defeated Colombian Santiago Giraldo in straight sets. The reigning champ fought back after an early break to win the second round clash in just one hour and 45 minutes. Djoković, who is hoping to become the only 5th player ever to win three consecutive majors, has already stretched his unbeaten run and said: “It was really important to win the first set. I am trying to be physically fit and fresh for the upcoming rounds. The longer the tournament goes, the tougher it gets.” Djoković will play Nicolas Mahut of France in the next round.

There were straight forward wins for the women’s number four seed Maria Sharapova and number 12 seed Serena Williams. Sharapova opened the day’s action took just 64 minutes to beat the American Jamie Hampton 6-0 6-1. Five time Australian Open winner Williams, also easily progressed, beating the Czech Barbora Zahlavova Strycova 6-0 6-4.

It was the final matchup of the day that the home fans were waiting for, and things started badly for Hewitt as he lost the opening set 3-6, however the Aussie fought back winning the next two sets 6-3 6-3, before Roddick was forced to retire, after a slip during the third set which had clearly left him in some pain. Hewitt goes on to face the Canadian Milos Raonic in the next round.

Dean Mears