• Monte Carlo Masters

Murray brushes past limping Simon

Gilles Simon clutches his leg in discomfort © Getty Images

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Monte Carlo Masters seedings

Andy Murray carried the momentum he built up against Radek Stepanek into his third-round encounter with Gilles Simon, as the Brit cruised to a 6-3 6-3 win in the Monte Carlo Masters.

Simon is a real talent on clay, but he found Murray in sizzling form as he worked the ball around the court like a seasoned clay-court veteran. He dominated the rallies from the baseline and was in total command long before Simon picked up an injury attempting to track down a shot from his opponent into the corner.

It looked like Simon twisted his ankle and he received lengthy treatment from the trainer. Heavy strapping was applied, but his movement was severely restricted afterwards and the match was effectively over as a contest from that point on as Murray secured his place in the last eight.

Murray made a signal of intent in the first game as he worked the ball from corner to corner, sending the ball back behind Simon on occasions and it paid off as he secured the break. Simon hit back and broke when Murray threw a volley beyond the baseline, but it did not unsettle the British No. 1 as he regained his composure and controlled the long rallies.

Murray also demonstrated excellent defence and this enabled him to break for a second time in the seventh game. At 5-3 down, Simon saved a set point but it came at a cost as he turned his ankle tracking down a ball.

Following treatment, Simon looked tentative and after failing to put away a smash - seemingly unwilling to extend - he sent a forehand over the baseline.

Simon started the second set like a train and broke Murray to love on the back of some sizzling winners.

He attempted the same tactic on his own serve but he pulled up sharply when attempting to push off to reach a backhand and it was evident he was struggling. Murray showed no mercy by employing the dropshot and with Simon struggling, the crowd made their feelings known by whistling the Scot.

The trainer was called for a second time and more strapping was administered. Simon played on to the delight of the crowd, but he had no answers to Murray who went about his task with ruthless efficiency.

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