Murray’s the last Brit standing as Ward loses out
James Ward, left, lost a five-set thriller to Vasek Pospisil. Yet, there seemed little threat here Mexican wave to increase their asMurray established a stranglehold entertainment. on proceedings from the off. Seppi had obviously received the
He broke Seppi’s serve in the old magic sponge treatment as he opening game and again in the quickly fashioned three break points seventh as he raced to a one- set in Murray’s next service game. lead. The first two were saved but a
The second was a carbon copy. sloppy double fault conceded the The Scot’s precision and weight of advantage. And when Seppi backed shot was too much for the Italian, that up by holding his serve, Murray who was forced into error after error was not happy as he shook his head and lost his serve in the same games. at his opponent’s transformation.
Early in the third set, the Italian The Italian broke again, this time called for a medical time- out for to 15 and Seppi took the match treatment on his right leg, while the further than most had expected by crowd amused themselves with a winning the set.
And the match took another twist at the start of the fourth. Murray saved a break point after a tense 23- shot rally but dragged a backhand long to cede a fifth successive game.
Now it was Murray’s turn to call for the trainer. There was the worrying sight of the British No 1 lying on the floor and having his shoulder manipulated.
But what worked for Seppi worked for Murray as he broke back immediately.
The 2013 Champion had rediscovered his mojo and when Seppi plonked a limp backhand into the net, Murray had broken again to regain control of the match. Andy was electrified. He was now playing his best tennis of the match and a stinging backhand brought up match point.
And he duly finished off proceedings in fine style with an ace to reach the fourth round for the eighth year in a row.
Next up on Murray’s journey will be the giant Ivo Karlovic, who was the surprise conqueror of Frenchman Jo- Wilfried Tsonga in four sets earlier in the day.
At 6ft 10in, the Croatian has a bomb of a serve, having delivered 136 in the tournament so far.
But if he displays the same form as in the last set here, he should cut his opponent down to size, with his focus squarely on lifting the trophy for a second time next Sunday.
S A D LY, Mu r r a y ’s Br i t i s h compatriot James Ward’s hopes of making the second week of Wimbledon were ended in dramatic fashion as he came up just short in a classic five-set encounter.
Ward led by two sets to one, but eventually succumbed 8- 6 in the fifth to Vasek Pospisil after three hours and five minutes of thrilling tennis.