Andy Murray cruises into quarter-finals

23/01/2012

Andy Murray enjoyed an easy passage into the quarter-finals of the Australian Open after his fourth round opponent retired after losing the first two sets.

The Scot won the first two sets against unseeded Ukrainian Mikhail Kukushkin 6-1 6-1 - with both games lost against his own serve - and was 1-0 up in the third when his opponent retired with a hip injury.

Afterwards, the 2010 and 2011 finalists said Kukushkin - who had given him a tough match in Brisbane earlier this month - had done the right thing by retiring as he was barely able to move.

It means Murray could conserve some energy before his quarter final, where he will play rising Japanese star Kei Nishikori, who reached his first grand slam quarter final with a five-set win over sixth seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 2-6 6-2 6-1 3-6 6-3.

That may surprise some of those planning to enjoy hospitality packages at this summer's Aegon Championships at Queens, with the Frenchman reaching the final there last year before losing to Murray.

By Keith Prowse