Andy Murray suffers injury scare as he thumps Russian youngster Andrey Rublev in straight sets to reach third round at the Australian Open
British and world No1 put on a tennis masterclass to demolish his 19-year-old 152-ranked opponent 6-3 6-0 6-2 in Melbourne
ANDY MURRAY survived an injury-scare to thump Russian youngster Andrey Rublev 6-3 6-0 6-2 to reach third round at the Australian Open.
The British and world No1, 29, put on a tennis masterclass to demolish his 152-ranked opponent, 19 in just over an hour-and-a-half.
Murray's only real scare came early in the third set when he rolled his ankle hard, to gasps from the crowd and wife Kim hiding her face from it.
He grimaced as he gingerly got back to his feet, calling to his coaching box: “Not good news...”
The trainer was called, but ultimately the Scot soldiered on to complete a simple, straight sets victory.
Murray's win quickly followed a stunning victory for Brit No3 Dan Evans, who toppled world No7 Marin Cilic to book his place in the third round, in what has become a stunning start for the Brits Down Under.
Following the win, Murray said on the injury: "It's a little bit sore, not too serious. I definitely rolled it a little so I'll ice it tonight.
"I was moving well by the end so that's positive. I'm sure I'll be fine."
The recently-knighted Scot added he is enjoying this year in Melbourne a little more now he's not worrying about shooting back to the UK to attend the birth of his child.
Murray said: "I have my family here, it's very different this year. I love playing here so hopefully I can have another good run.
The Brit was also very complimentary of his Russian opponent - a decade younger than himself - saying: "He's exciting to watch.
"When he gets stronger and more experienced, he'll shoot up the rankings. I've heard he puts in hard work so I'm sure he'll do very well."
Murray will now face Sam Querrey in the third round, and he's under no illusions, saying it will be tricky.
He said: "[Querrey] has a big game, it'll be a tricky one.
"He had a big win at Wimbledon over Novak [Djokovic] last year, so I'll need to play some good tennis to get through."