Murray survives in Vienna as top spot race continues

AFP, VIENNA: Andy Murray’s pursuit of the world number one ranking was severely tested by Slovak left-hander Martin Klizan in his Vienna opener on Wednesday before the British star clinched a 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), 6-0 win.
The 29-year-old Wimbledon and Olympic champion, who is closing in on Novak Djokovic’s top ranking, took his season record to 66 wins and just nine losses.
Murray’s best chance of taking the world number one spot will be to capture the title in Vienna, where he was champion in 2012, as well as next week’s Paris Masters. 
In the French capital Djokovic would have to reach the final to stay in pole position.
Australian Open and French Open champion Djokovic has spent a total of 222 weeks at number one in three spells — including his current run of 121 consecutive weeks. 
Murray will face Frenchman Gilles Simon in the next round with a 15-2 career record.
Big-hitting John Isner of the United States hit 52 winners and 31 aces in a 7-6 (7/1), 3-6, 7-6 (7/2) victory over 2004 champion Feliciano Lopez to reach the quarter-finals.
Ivo Karlovic of Croatia is also into the last-eight after 33 aces took him to a 7-6 (8/6), 4-6, 7-6 (7/5) win over Damir Dzumhur of Bosnia.

 

Murray survives in Vienna as top spot race continues

AFP, VIENNA: Andy Murrays pursuit of the world number one ranking was severely tested by Slovak left-hander Martin Klizan in his Vienna opener on Wednesday before the British star clinched a 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), 6-0 win. The 29-year-old Wimbledon and Olympic champion, who is closing in on Novak Djokovics top ranking, took his season record to 66 wins and just nine losses. Murrays best chance of taking the world number one spot will be to capture the title in Vienna, where he was champion in 2012, as well as next weeks Paris Masters. In the French capital Djokovic would have to reach the final to stay in pole position. Australian Open and French Open champion Djokovic has spent a total of 222 weeks at number one in three spells including his current run of 121 consecutive weeks. Murray will face Frenchman Gilles Simon in the next round with a 15-2 career record. Big-hitting John Isner of the United States hit 52 winners and 31 aces in a 7-6 (7/1), 3-6, 7-6 (7/2) victory over 2004 champion Feliciano Lopez to reach the quarter-finals. Ivo Karlovic of Croatia is also into the last-eight after 33 aces took him to a 7-6 (8/6), 4-6, 7-6 (7/5) win over Damir Dzumhur of Bosnia.