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Andy Murray - Source: Reuters -
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Facing an opponent tailor-made for him was a third-round gift
for Andy Murray and the Briton easily wrapped up a 6-3 6-2 6-2 win
against hard-hitting Taylor Dent at the US Open on Monday.
Murray, who ranks as one of the game's best at returning serve,
blunted Dent's primary weapon to dash into the fourth round.
"It's something that I practice a lot," the 22-year-old second seed
told reporters after a brisk 90-minute win that closed day seven at
Arthur Ashe Stadium.
"I view the returns being as important as the serves, so I practice
it loads."
The slender Scotsman actually out-aced Dent, belting seven of his
own, while the American could only blast two 145 mile-per-hour
(233.3 kph) missiles past Murray.
"He doesn't miss. He really doesn't miss," 28-year-old Dent said in
grudging admiration. "I think I served probably below average for
me, but he made it look and feel like I served underhanded out
there at times."
Murray has frustrated many big servers, ranking first on the men's
tour in total points won against first serves (35 percent) and
break points converted (48 percent).
Dent, coming back after two surgeries on his back in two years and
making his first appearance in the Open in four years, posted an
inspired five-set win over Spain's Ivan Navarro in the second round
but was outclassed by Murray.
Academic Approach
"He was just able to put stuff by me. I tried to mix up my spins,
mix up my paces, and give him different looks," he said.
Murray, runner-up last year to Roger Federer and aiming for his
first grand slam triumph, takes an academic approach to the art of
returning.
"You return differently against every player," said Murray, whose
coach fires practice serves at him from halfway between the
baseline and service line to quicken his reactions.
"I don't think you can return the same way against
everybody."
Murray has lost just one set in his opening victories.
"I played three pretty different players. First one (Ernests
Gulbis) was a big sever who stayed at the back. Second one (Paul
Capdeville) didn't hit the ball that big, but really had nothing to
lose. Taylor obviously is a serve and volleyer.
"I thought I dealt with the different tests that were sort of put
in front of me pretty well."
Next up for Murray is 16th seed Marin Cilic of Croatia.
"He's tough. He's top 20. Got a big serve. Moves pretty well for a
big guy," was Murray's scouting report.
"It's gonna be a tough match."
