Masterful Murray sizzles against Karlovic to reach fourth round

After being forced to five sets in the first round against Radek Stepanek and Mathias Bourgue in the second round to reach the last 32, world number two Murray was simply majestic in reaching the second week with plenty of energy to spare as he chases his first Grand Slam title at Roland Garros, and the possible third leg of a career Grand Slam.

37-year-old Karlovic - one of the greatest servers in the history - fought gamely in the second and third sets, but was simply outclassed by Murray approaching the level of form that saw him lift the Rome Masters a fornight ago.

The nature of Murray's win bodes well for the second week, and we will fancy himself to progress beyond 15th seed John Isner or Teymuraz Gabashvili in the last 16.

The ATM's statistics showed Karlovic had won 95 percent of his service games in the last year, more than any other player, but that counted for little on Court Suzanne Lenglen.

Karlovic was 4-0 behind in quick time as Murray toyed with the 6ft 11in player who was the oldest man to reach the third round of a grand slam for 25 years.

He even managed to send a couple of lobs looping over the head of Karlovic who looked jaded after coming through a five-setter in round two.

Having taken the second set with a single break, Murray's progress slowed in the third as Karlovic found his range to force a tie break.

But Murray stayed focused and wrapped up a no-nonsense win on the first match point when the 27th seeded Karlovic sprayed a forehand well wide.