Andy Murray
Paris: Andy Murray produced arguably his best performance of the year to defeat Juan Martin del Potro and reach the fourth round of the French Open. The World No. 1 has been searching for top form all season and finally found something close to it on a cool, grey day at Roland Garros.
Murray saved four set points to win a titanic opener lasting 84 minutes and was in control thereafter to win 7-6 (10-8), 7-5, 6-0.
The one significant asterisk was the fitness of Del Potro, who went into the match with a groin injury and struggled more and more as it progressed. But Murray will have reason to feel he can be a factor at the end of this tournament after this performance, with the 30-year-old also much calmer on court.
Argentina's del Potro waves to the crowd. Pics/ AFP
Murray said: “I expected a very tough match. The first set was very, very important. Whoever won that set had momentum. It was very slow and heavy conditions and to be coming back was difficult. I thought I played some good tennis towards the end. Each day I'm feeling a little bit better and hopefully I can keep it going.”