Andy Murray into US Open quarters after defeating Raonic
Andy Murray produced a superb display as he breezed past Milos Raonic and into the quarter-finals of the US Open.
With one of the most powerful serves on tour Raonic – who had served 89 aces in his three matches at Flushing Meadows this year – was seen as dangerous opponent for Murray.
However the Olympic champion, who had struggled against Feliciano Lopez, was simply brilliant as he raced to a 6-4 6-4 6-2 victory on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Murray’s reward is a last-eight clash against another big-server in Marin Cilic, a straight-sets win over Martin Klizan.
Raonic, who had beat Murray in their only previous encounter, had started well – with the 21-year-old certainly not lacking confidence. However Murray broke in the seventh game, courtesy of a cute drop shot, and never looked back.
The third seed got a decisive break in the fifth game of the second set to turn the screw on Raonic, who was guilty of making too many unforced errors.
The break came even quicker in the third set, with Murray moving clear in just the third game – and although Raonic gave everything, he couldn’t match some sublime tennis for the Scot.
A second break followed in the seventh game allowing Murray to serve out for a comprehensive win.