Andy Murray hasn’t been sailing through the French Open draw as expected. Coming to Paris after a breakthrough clay court win over World No. 1 Novak Djokovic in Rome, Murray languished in the first few rounds at Roland Garros. It took Murray five sets to get past Mathias Bourgue following an equally tough match with Radek Stepanek. Questions arose as to whether Murray had spent too much of himself getting ready for the French, whether he was tired. Murray erased those questions with a dominant win over 6’8″ big-serving American John Isner in straight sets 7-6(9), 6-4, 6-3.
Isner’s serve is such a weapon that he is a frequent five set opponent, rarely dropping his service. And if Murray had needed another five sets it would have put him into the quarterfinals with far more court time than his elite rivals. But Murray made surprisingly short work of Isner. He’ll face French hope Richard Gasquet next. Gasquet is coming off a strong victory of Kei Nishikori.
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