Murray storms to straight sets win over Chela
Murray was in excellent form on the clay at Roland Garros
Also In The News
|
Leinster have won their first Heineken Cup with a hard-fought 19-16 win over Leicester in the final at Murrayfield. |  |
Sunday, 24, May 2009 09:27
Andy Murray cruised past what many pundits felt could prove a tricky first-round opponent in Juan Ignacio Chela, defeating the Argentinean in straight sets in the first round of the French Open at Roland Garros.
Chela, formerly ranked 15th in the world, was outclassed by the British number one, losing 6-2 6-2 6-1.
The Scot lost his serve in the opening game, but never looked back from there and was in ruthless form en route to closing out the match in one hour and 43 minutes.
Murray, looking to reach the second week at Roland Garros for the first time in his career, broke back against Chela in game two before breaking again to take a 3-1 lead with some excellent fore-hand passes.
Another forehand winner wrapped up the opening set, but Murray looked in good physical shape to cope with the heat in Paris and responded to the pressure forced on him by Chela - who gained three break points against the Scot's serve in the opening game of the second set.
But Murray's first serve saved him and a classy lob was the highlight as the 22-year-old held on to his served before breaking Chela to make it 3-1.
The Argentinean battled back with a break of his own, but Murray's forehand winners came back to haunt him and he regained the initiative to close out the second set 6-2.
A dejected Chela did not appear to have the stomach for a fight in the final set, as Murray proved too strong, wrapping the match up 28 minutes later six games to one.
The Scot will face the winner of Mischa Zverev and Potito Starace in round two.