Andy finds his feet on clay as he eases into last eight
ANDY Murray eased into his 29th grand slam quarter-final with a straight-sets win over Karen Khachanov in Paris.
Having started the French Open harbouring significant doubts about his form, the world No.1 has played himself into familiar territory.
Russian Khachanov was the youngest man to reach the fourth round at Roland Garros for eight years, and the 21-yearold’s time will surely come, but Murray used his experience to win 6-3 6-4 6-4.
The Scot used his post-match interview to send his condolences to the people caught up in the terror attacks in Manchester and London.
He said: “Terrible tragedy in London, also in Manchester only six or seven days ago. Paris has also had some problems in the last (few) years.
“I’m sure everybody will share in thoughts and prayers for everyone who’s been affected by this. It’s obviously something affecting large parts of Europe and all over the world.
“I appreciate everyone still coming out to support the tennis and creating a fantastic atmosphere.”
Khachanov, ranked 53, had beaten Tomas Berdych and John Isner to make the last 16, combining the swagger of youth with a big serve and even bigger forehand.
It was a 650th tour-level win for Murray, who will face either Kei Nishikori or Fernando Verdasco in the last eight.