Andy Murray claims 10th straight win on clay, beating Jérémy Chardy in Rome

http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/may/13/andy-murray-clay-jeremy-chardy-italian-open

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Andy Murray’s scintillating run of form continued as he disposed of Jérémy Chardy in straight sets at the Italian Open in Rome. The world No3 followed his impressive victory over Rafael Nadal in the Madrid final on Sunday with a 6-4, 6-3 victory in an hour and 24 minutes to move into the third round as he prepares for the French Open.

Chardy looked to be keeping pace with the third seed, who only confirmed his participation in the tournament on Tuesday, but surrendered two break points against the Murray serve in the sixth game in what proved to be a crucial moment in the match.

The two-time grand slam winner made the Frenchman pay immediately as he seized on a double-fault from Chardy before hitting a trademark backhand cross-court winner to claim a vital break of serve. Murray went on to wrap up the first set in 44 minutes as his imperious clay-court form continued, after securing his first two ATP Tour titles on the surface in the past two weeks.

Murray stepped up his play in the second set, and produced a stunning cross-court forehand to leave Chardy stranded on the baseline as he headed towards an early break in the fifth game. The advantage was sealed by another winner past an onrushing Chardy, whose game began to unravel with a series of unforced errors.

Murray’s serve was in fine fettle as he racked up six aces before his 10th straight victory on clay was sealed with another break of serve against a dejected Chardy. He will now go on to face either David Goffin or Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the third round on Thursday.