World number three Andy Murray had an easier time eliminating Gilles Simon of France in their fourth round matchup at the Australian Open 2013 on Monday with a 6-3, 6-1, 6-3 scoreline. The match lasted an hour and 32 minutes.
Murray reached the final eight at the Melbourne Park for the fourth straight year and will play another Frenchman – Jeremy Chardy. The British player has yet to lose a set in this tournament.
It seemed like Simon has not yet fully recovered from his marathon third round victory two days ago against compatriot Gael Monfils. That match lasted several hours and was contested in five sets.
After the first few games, it didn’t feel that competitive. At this stage of a Grand Slam, you’re sort of geed up and prepared for a tough battle.”
“That’s why it becomes hard, because the emotions aren’t quite into it. You’re not quite necessarily feeling pressure, but you’re wanting to try to finish the match as quickly as possible,” he said.
For Simon, it was a difficult task to even bring out his best tennis at this match.
“It was just difficult for me today,” said Simon. “I knew it before, but I think I did all I could for the last two days to be able to play this one.
“It was a painful hour and a half on the court. But, you know, Andy is a very good player anyway so it’s always very hard to beat him. Without being 100% you have almost no chance to do it.
“I just wanted to do my best at any moment. But it was getting worse and worse on the court. It was a really difficult day,” he said.
