Robredo injury gives Murray safe passage into last eight
Murray recovered well after a slow start to reach the quarter-finals
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Wednesday, 18, Mar 2009 10:41
Andy Murray eased into the quarter-finals of the Indian Wells Masters after Tommy Robredo was forced to retire with an ankle injury.
The world number four was a set and a break (6-2 3-0) ahead when the Spaniard decided to end the match early.
It was a welcome piece of fortune for Murray who is trying to work his way back to full form and fitness following a virus that kept him off court for ten days.
Murray went 2-1 behind early on when he lost his serve in the third game of the match, however, he steadied himself and fought back superbly.
Murray blitzed the next five service games to claim the set 6-2, breaking Robredo three times in the process.
Robredo began the second set in a spirited manner, forcing Murray to defend a break point, but the Scot was able to hang on to his serve.
The British number one then gained a vital break on Robredo's opening service game before holding his own serve once more.
As the players moved towards the change of ends the Spaniard decided to quit, handing a place in the last eight to Murray.
The 21-year-old told Sky Sports after the match that he hopes to improve his intensity at the start of matches in the quarter-finals.
He said: "At the start of my matches this week I've been a little bit passive and I've gone behind early, I'll try and cut that out of my game and make some better starts during this tournament."
Murray will face either Ivan Ljubicic or Igor Andreev in the last eight.