Melbourne: Andy Murray didn't let the parochial crowds in Margaret Court Arena bother him on Wednesday as he beat Australian Marinko Matosevic 6-1, 6-3, 6-2 to advance to the third round of the Australian Open.
Murray, who broke the erratic Matosevic's serve seven times will next face Portugal's Joao Sousa. (Photo: AP)
Matosevic's first-round opponent, Alexander Kudryavtsev, accused boisterous Australian fans of behaving like "animals" after losing in five sets to the Melbourne resident. Murray, who is good friends with Matosevic, beat the Australian in the second round of last year's French Open and at this year's Hopman Cup, both times in straight sets.
Murray had few problems in carving out his victory will next face Portugal's Joao Sousa. The Scot broke the erratic Matosevic's serve seven times and controlled the match with the Australian committing 49 unforced errors to Murray's 12. After the match, Murray said with a laugh, "It was a fun atmosphere to play today even if not everyone was supporting me.
Sharapova survives second-round scare
No. 2-ranked Maria Sharapova saved two match points in a narrow escape against No. 150-ranked Alexandra Panova advancing to the third round with a 6-1, 4-6, 7-5 win.
Sharapova made 51 unforced errors as she went for the lines, saving some of her high-risk winners for when she needed them most in the 10th game of the third set when Panova, who had to come through qualifying and only previously had one win at a major tournament, was serving for the match.
"I was one point away twice today from going out of the tournament. She played a pretty inspired match," Sharapova said.
