Andy Murray has made it through to the last 16 of the Australian Open after comfortably defeating Feliciano Lopez 7-6 (7-2) 6-4 6-2.
The Wimbledon champion started the match off against the 26th seed in nervous fashion, dropping serve at the first time of asking, but responded immediately by breaking straight back, eventually taking the first set on a tie-break. Murray went from strength to strength in what were the eventual final two sets, producing a string of winners, whilst showing the his strong defensive side of the game when also needed. The victory sets up a last-16 clash with Frenchman Stephane Robert, who is the first player ever in the history of the tournament to make the fourth round after receiving a 'lucky loser' spot following a late withdrawal before the event started. Murray goes into the next match as a heavy favourite to progress to the quarter-finals despite his recent injury problems, and the Brit has reassured fans that he is recovering from matches well following back surgery last year. 'I've recovered well after the matches,' he said. 'From time to time there's a bit of stiffness and soreness, but for the most part it's been good,' Murray added. 'You normally are going to get some stiffness in an area where you've had surgery. It takes a bit of time for that to go away.' The Brit has yet to drop a set in the opening three games of the Australian Open, and Murray has admitted he is delighted with the result against Lopez. 'Today was a big step up for me. Feliciano is a top 30 player and is a tricky opponent to play,' he said. 'I know I have a good record against him, but it doesn't change the fact he's not an easy guy to play against. He's a very different type of opponent to what you normally face, so it was a good test for me and I did well.' Elsewhere there were wins for Roger Federer and Maria Sharapova, but Caroline Wozniacki was one of the first big casualties in the tournament, losing to Spain's Garbine Muguruza.
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