Murray reaches Italian Open quarters
Andy Murray defeated Jeremy Chardy to reach the quarter-finals of the Italian Open in Rome.
The world number three raced through the first set – but had to come from a break down in the second before sealing a 6-0 6-4 victory over a Frenchman.
Britain’s Murray, 28, will meet David Goffin, who thrashed Tomas Berdych 6-0 6-0, for a place in the last four.
Rafael Nadal beat Nick Kyrgios in three sets, but Roger Federer was beaten by world number 15 Dominic Thiem.
Murray, the number two seed, has had his path to the final cleared after Stan Wawrinka – the number four seed and in the same half of the draw as the Scot – was beaten in three sets by Juan Monaco.
The victory over the world number 32 Chardy continues his build-up to the French Open, which begins on 22 May, and follows a run to the semi-finals in Madrid last week.
“I have to improve,” said Murray. “Matches get tougher as the week goes on. I didn’t feel great yesterday and felt better today.
“If I keep improving and adjusting each day, hopefully I can have a good run.”
On court for an hour and 17 minutes, Murray won 87% of points when he landed his first serve and only gave Chardy a sniff when mistakes in the second set followed a virtually error-free first.
But from 3-4 down, three consecutive games, including two breaks, confirmed a passage to the semi-finals.
Federer’s French fears
Federer, who has struggled with a back injury, lost 7-6 (7-2) 6-4 to Austrian Thiem, who moves on to face Kei Nishikori.
The 34-year-old Swiss, a 17-time Grand Slam winner, made 34 unforced errors and said he fears for his chances at Roland Garros.
“I see my chances as not great to have the most unbelievable run,” said Federer.
“But if maybe in three, four days I can practise 100% for next week, then I believe that something is possible again.”