Murray romps past Berankis
It may not have been pretty but Andy Murray’s Australian Open challenge remained on track with victory over Ricardas Berankis.
The US Open champion, hoping to become the first man in the Open era to follow up his maiden Grand Slam tournament victory by winning the next major as well, looked woefully out of sorts for much of the encounter.
But he improved as the match went on to progress through to the fourth round 6-3 6-4 7-5 in two hours and 12 minutes and now meets Gilles Simon, who beat Gael Monfils in an epic clash.
Lithuanian qualifier Berankis displayed the kind of shot-making ability which should stand him in good stead as he seeks a way back into the top 100 following a serious groin injury but Murray’s greater know-how when it really mattered proved the difference.
Murray said: “We know each other’s games pretty well, we practise a lot together. He hits the ball very flat and these courts were playing quick today.
“I was struggling. He was making me feel pretty uncomfortable on the court with his style.
“I need to strike the ball better.
“My timing was off and I was leaving a lot of balls very short and allowing him to dictate some of the points. But hopefully it’ll get better in the next round.”
