Andy Murray earned a spot in the U.S. Open quarterfinals thanks to an impressive 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 victory over Grigor Dimitrov on Monday.
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Davis Cup captain Leon Smith will be particularly interested in Murray’s energy levels ahead of Great Britain’s semi-final against Argentina next week, but he believes the world number two can outlast his rivals in NY.
The 2012 Open champion, who is looking to win his second straight major – Murray claimed his second Wimbledon crown in July – will meet No. 6 Kei Nishikori in the next round, a match that should be far more challenging for Murray.
For good measure, Murray sent down his fastest ever serve of 141mph (226.9km/h) at the end of a set where he allowed Dimitrov just five points on his service.
“I served one at 145 in San Jose, but the next day”, Murray said with a smile, “they re-calibrated the gun because it was completely wrong”.
“I think a lot has changed over the past year and a half for me”.
“That would be the fastest serve I’ve hit, the other best serve was here at the US Open around 138 but I have never hit over 140”. I’m aware I’ll need to do that again in a couple days if I want to beat him because he’s one of the best players in the world, plays extremely well on hard court.
“I played very well today with very few unforced errors and made it very tough for Grigor”. “I got a lot of free points with my serve tonight”, Murray said. I enjoy it in here [on Arthur Ashe Court], fantastic atmosphere.
Williams, seeded No. 1 and seeking her record-breaking 23rd Grand Slam title, took the opening set 6-2 on Wednesday night despite being broken for the first time in the tournament. For sure he knows how to play in moments like that. “But for both of us I think it’s going to be important to try to dictate and be aggressive on the court”.
After collecting the first set, the Scot would surge 3-0 up in the second and briefly exchanged breaks with Dimitrov before serving out for a two-nil lead in the match. When you don’t play your best and win, it’s a really positive thing. I don’t think I made any mistakes there.
He proceeded to win the next four games to regain control on the way to a 6-4 6-1 6-7 (7-5) 6-3 victory.
“There’s probably 30 or 40 weeks of the year when I’m not around Dan and Kyle. If Novak plays great tennis, it’s not easy to play well against him”, Murray said.
The three-time major champion, who plays Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov in the last 16 at Flushing Meadows on Monday, says he too is benefiting from his compatriots. “I only did it once, so I’m not expecting to do it again”. “My level is growing up every day”, – wildcard Del Potro continues his dream run after coming back from injury.
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Fifth-seeded Simona Halep faces No. 11 Carla Suarez Navarro in the other women’s match.
