Murray Takes Step Closer to Third Consecutive Title in Shanghai
October 11, 2012 | By Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
Photo credit: Kenneth B. Goldberg
World number three-ranked Andy Murray, seeking his third consecutive Shanghai Rolex Masters title, defeated Ukrainian Alexandr Dolgopolov 6-2, 6-2 in the third round of the event to advance to the quarterfinals. Murray advanced to the semifinals of the recent the Rakuten Japan Open Tennis Championships and improved to a 51-12 match record on the season. Murray had a bye in the opening round in Shanghai and a walkover in round two.
Murray will face Radek Stepanek in the quarterfinals after a 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-3 victory over eighth-seeded American John Isner. The Czech player withstood 17 aces from Isner and converted two of his eight break point chances to win in two hours and 27 minutes.
"He’s in great shape," said Murray of Stepanek. "He’s incredibly quick and flexible. He has a very different game style to a lot of the guys now. He’s a character on the court, as well. He likes to entertain, too, and can frustrate guys. I’ll need to make sure I’m focused and patient and take care of my side of the court tomorrow."
