Tennis:Facing an opponent tailor-made for him was a third-round gift for Andy Murray and the Scot easily wrapped up a 6-3 6-2 6-2 win against hard-hitting Taylor Dent at the US Open last night.
Murray, who ranks as one of the game's best at returning serve, blunted Dent's primary weapon to dash into the fourth round.
"It's something that I practice a lot," the 22-year-old second seed said after a brisk 90-minute win that closed day seven at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
"I view the returns being as important as the serves, so I practice it loads."
Murray actually out-aced Dent, belting seven of his own, while the American could only blast two 145 mile-per-hour (233.3 kph) missiles past Murray.
"He doesn't miss. He really doesn't miss," 28-year-old Dent said in grudging admiration. "I think I served probably below average for me, but he made it look and feel like I served underhanded out there at times."
Murray has frustrated many big servers, ranking first on the men's tour in total points won against first serves (35 per cent) and break points converted (48 per cent).
Dent, coming back after two surgeries on his back in two years and making his first appearance in the Open in four years, posted an inspired five-set win over Spain's Ivan Navarro in the second round but was outclassed by Murray.
"He was just able to put stuff by me. I tried to mix up my spins, mix up my paces, and give him different looks," he said.
Murray, runner-up last year to Roger Federer and aiming for his first grand slam triumph, takes an academic approach to the art of returning.
"You return differently against every player," said Murray, whose coach fires practice serves at him from halfway between the baseline and service line to quicken his reactions.
"I don't think you can return the same way against everybody."
Murray has lost just one set in his opening victories.
"I played three pretty different players. First one (Ernests Gulbis) was a big sever who stayed at the back. Second one (Paul Capdeville) didn't hit the ball that big, but really had nothing to lose. Taylor obviously is a serve and volleyer.
"I thought I dealt with the different tests that were sort of put in front of me pretty well."
Next up for Murray is 16th seed Marin Cilic of Croatia.
"He's tough. He's top 20. Got a big serve. Moves pretty well for a big guy," was Murray's scouting report.
"It's gonna be a tough match."