Andy Murray beats Feliciano Lopez in straight sets

Andy Murray has defeated Feliciano Lopez in straight sets to move through to the fourth round of the Australian Open.

© AFP

The world number four was expected to be tested by the big-serving Spaniard, but after a tight first set, Murray recorded a 7-6 6-4 6-2 triumph on the Rod Laver Arena.

The pair traded breaks at the start of the first set, and although Murray missed further opportunities, he took the resulting tie-break 7-2 to move ahead of the left-hander.

Another break at the start of the second proved enough for Murray to move one set away from the fourth round in what was turning out to be a far more accomplished performance than in his win over Vincent Millot on Thursday.

Lopez wilted during a one-sided third set, and two more breaks of serve helped Murray move through to the last 16, where he will now play Stephane Robert.