As Andy Murray prepared to served out this most one-sided of victories against Grigor Dimitrov, the rain started to fall on the Arthur Ashe Stadium court.
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“His belief is higher than it’s ever been”, seven-time grand slam champion John McEnroe said on ESPN.
“I wish Dominic a quick recovery as he has a great future”, said 27-year-old Del Potro, the lowest-ranked man in the last-eight since Jimmy Connors, at 174, went all the way to semi-finals in 1991.
Andy Murray delivered a resounding message about his credentials to win the US Open after the world number two demolished Grigor Dimitrov to reach the quarter-finals. You wouldn’t be either if you happened to be an incredible tennis player who just happened to have his prime years coincide with the otherworldly accomplishments of Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. I wanted too make sure today if I got ahead, I stayed on top of him, I didn’t have any dip in concentration or my level.
Murray produced a flawless display against the Bulgarian to win 6-1 6-2 6-2 and now faces Japan’s Kei Nishikori at Flushing Meadows for a place in the semi-finals. He has won this title but I played a really good match against him at the Olympics and I will have to do the same again. I didn’t execute things the right way.
Dimitrov had won their only meeting this year in Miami and came into the match talking of a return to form, but he troubled Murray for barely a handful of points.
The talented Bulgarian has enjoyed a resurgence under Murray’s former coach Dani Vallverdu but any confidence gained may have been shattered in what was, at times, a humiliation.
“[Wawrinka] will be the favorite to win in that match”, del Potro insisted, before adding: “But anything can happen in this event for me”.
After dropping a set in the third round to Paolo Lorenzi of Italy, Murray was at the top of his game, producing 28 winners, just 23 unforced errors, and hitting a personal-best 141 miles per hour serve. I played a really good match against him when we played a few weeks ago. In contrast, Dimitrov made 13 unforced errors and had just two winners.
Great Britain captain Leon Smith admits Andy Murray will be exhausted ahead of next weekend’s Davis Cup semi-final against Argentina but is backing the Scot to play in the tie.
“I think definitely under the roof he was able to dictate more of the points”.
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Venus was unable to convert her lone match point as Pliskova, serving at 5-4 in the third, saved herself with a forehand volley then held to extend the match. It’s obviously an unbelievable court to play on, a fantastic atmosphere. Tonight was the first night when I’ve been in here and it’s been a little bit windy but it’s great conditions in here.
