• US Open, Day Seven

Marvellous Murray eases to victory over Lopez

Andy Murray dominated the court against Feliciano Lopez © Getty Images

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British No. 1 Andy Murray recorded a seemingly effortless straight sets win over Spain's Feliciano Lopez in their third round clash at the US Open on Sunday evening.

Murray has defeated Lopez in all five of their previous meetings - including their duel in this year's Wimbledon quarter-final - and this encounter was no different as he dominated from start to finish to claim a 6-1 6-4 6-2 triumph.

Playing in his first evening match of the tournament, the Scot began brightly, winning the opening three games of the first set to lay the platform for a convincing win. His Spanish counterpart, though, was sluggish out of the blocks, making 15 unforced errors while only hitting two clean winners in a nervy opening set.

It was during the second set when Murray showed the steel and determination which he will need heading into the later rounds. Lopez continued to play on the edge, but managed to hit a higher percentage of winners, forcing Murray to dig deep.

The 24-year-old duly obliged, eventually breaking Lopez in the 10th game of the set. A delightful angled volley on set point then allowed Murray to take a two-set lead and remain in complete control.

His spirit clearly broken, Lopez served a weak opening game of the third set as Murray broke him to love and stormed to a 2-0 advantage. A further break of serve at 4-2 and a strong service game of his own completed the solid win for Murray in under two hours.

The fourth seed will now face American wildcard Donald Young in fourth round action on Tuesday after he upset 24th seed Juan Ignacio Chela earlier in the afternoon.

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