Murray Has All The Answers In Shanghai

Two-time former champion Andy Murray was solid on first serve at the Shanghai Rolex Masters on Thursday when he booked a place in the quarter-finals with a 6-1, 6-3 victory over No. 13 seed Lucas Pouille.

Murray will next challenge sixth seed Gael Monfils or No. 11 seed David Goffin, who are both attempting to clinch a spot at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, to be held at The O2 in London from 13-20 November, for the first time.

Murray capitalised on Pouille’s inexperience, moving towards the net to finish points when the Frenchman floated back sliced backhands. The Scot won the first five games, broke in the first game of the second set and won 95 per cent of his first service points. He converted his third match point opportunity for victory in 78 minutes.

Murray, who has picked up five titles this year – including at the China Open (d. Dimitrov) last week, has a 62-9 match record and is battling Novak Djokovic to finish year-end No. 1 in the Emirates ATP Rankings.