MX23RW : Wednesday, December 25 16:36:20| >> :600:376905584:376905584:

Andy Murray powers past Robin Haase

Murray powers past Haase
© AP Photos
Andy Murray disposes of Robin Haase in straight sets at the Australian Open.

Andy Murray took 97 minutes to book his place in the second round of the Australian Open with a straight-sets victory over Robin Haase.

The Scot drew first blood in the third game of the match after the pair had held comfortably in their opening service games.

Haase was trying to trade with Murray at the baseline, but found himself on the move as the US Open champion worked the ball around the court expertly.

A second break of serve then saw Murray go 4-1 up, but he had to fight off two break points in the very next game.

After a routine hold, Haase tested Murray's serve once more at 5-2. This time the Dutchman managed to get one of the breaks back.

It was of little consequence to Murray, who went on to break Haase for a third time to clinch the opening set 6-3.

The world number three then took a more relaxed approach in the Melbourne heat, adopting his old defensive attitude as Haase struggled for attacking rhythm.

It worked, as Murray took just 26 minutes to wrap up the second, breaking twice on his way to a 6-1 triumph.

Murray picked up from where he left off as he broke Haase at the first time of asking in the third, before getting the double break to move 4-1 ahead.

A lapse in concentration allowed the Dutchman to break for the second time in the match, but Murray powered into the second round.

ID:64022: cacheID:64022:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2242:
Written by
Michael Penkman
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Tommy Haas
Read Next:
Live Commentary: Australian Open day two - as it happened
>