ANDY Murray has paid tribute to victims of terror after delivering he most emphatic display of a previously stuttering French Open crusade, posting his 650th career win by toppling young Russian Karen Khachanov in straight sets.
In questionable form pre-tournament after missing several events with shingles, Murray ruthlessly ousted the unseeded Khachanov 6-3 6-4 6-4.
The Scot was given a standing ovation after using his on-court post-match interview with former player Fabrice Santoro to “share thoughts and prayers with everyone who has been affected” by recent attacks in London and Manchester, where 29 people have died over the past two weeks.
“Obviously there was a terrible tragedy in London, and in Manchester six or seven days ago. Paris has had its problems too in recent years,” Murray said.
“I am sure everyone will join me … we share our thoughts and prayers with everyone who has been affected. It’s obviously something that has affected large parts of Europe.
“I appreciate everyone still coming out to support the tennis. I am grateful that I can still perform in front of everyone.”
Andy Murray thanks the crowd after winning his fourth round match against Russia Karen Khachanov.Source:AP
Renowned for sensitivity behind his gruff, dour exterior, Murray survived the 1996 school massacre in Dunblane, where 18 died.
Murray needed four sets to tame Andrey Kuznetsov and Martin Klizan in the opening two rounds here before hitting his straps against Juan Martin del Potro and now Khachanov.
The world No.1 was eliminated in the Barcelona semis, third round of both Monte Carlo and Madrid and his opening match in Rome, sapping his confidence.
But there was clear evidence the Scot was back to his best as he dismantled Khachanov’s huge weapons to safely advance.
With 29 winners and only 14 unforced errors, Murray was simply too clean for impetuous Khachanov, who fired 34 winners but also had 38 unforced blunders.
The win elevates Murray into his seventh Roland Garros quarter-final, the most last-eight appearances of any current player behind Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, who all have 11 here.
Murray will play Kei Nishikori for a semil-final berth after the Japanese gun overwhelmed Spain’s Fernando Verdasco 0-6 6-4 6-4 6-0.
Andy Murray serves at Roland Garros.Source:AFP
Originally published as Murray’s emotional tribute to terror victims
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