Andy Murray at last took the straightforward route into the fourth round of the French Open – and he is hoping Aljaz Bedene can join him.
Having expended considerable physical, emotional and mental energy battling from behind to beat Radek Stepanek and Mathias Bourgue in five sets in his first two rounds, Murray knew he could not afford another epic against Ivo Karlovic.
The Scot was happy to be facing the 6ft 11in Croatian because it meant short rallies, and that was exactly how it panned out. Of the 174 points they played, only 22 comprised more than four shots.
Murray made the perfect start, winning the first five games, and needed only an hour and 56 minutes to complete a 6-1 6-4 7-6 (7/3) victory.
The world number two has never had British company in the third round at Roland Garros before but Bedene ended that sequence with his five-set win over Pablo Carreno Busta in round two.
If he can emulate Murray again, he would create British history, for it would be the first time in the Open era two men have made the fourth round together in Paris.
However, to do that he will have to cause one of the biggest upsets in recent tennis history and beat world number one Novak Djokovic.
Bedene will make his debut on Court Philippe Chatrier and is ready to embrace the occasion having performed creditably in a straight-sets loss to Djokovic at the Australian Open last year.
Given what has happened to him in this tournament, especially against unknown French wild card Bourgue, Murray would not rule out a shock.
He said: “Aljaz obviously did well to get through because Carreno is very good on the clay. I think I read that’s the first time he’s made the third round of a slam. That’s good progress for him and a positive step.
“Now obviously it’s a huge challenge against Novak. But he can go out there and have a clear game plan and go for it, not hold back at all.
“It’s not so much pressure on him there, which can help. Obviously Novak goes in as a big favourite, but why not?
“Just go out there and give it your best shot. I know how matches can get. It can get tough here. Hopefully he gets off to a good start and he can do well.”
The main headlines on Friday were made off the court with the dramatic withdrawal of nine-time champion Rafael Nadal.
The fourth seed revealed he has been struggling with a wrist problem since earlier this month and it is has worsened to such an extent that he is unable to continue.
Nadal, who was close to tears, said: “Now is a tough moment, but it is not the end. I feel myself with the right motivation and the right energy to be back in Roland Garros the next couple of years, and I really hope to keep having my chances in the future.”
The Spaniard is optimistic of being fit to play at Wimbledon in a month’s time.
