Murray through to last eight

14 April 2012

Andy Murray's relationship with new coach Brad Gilbert continues to show early promise following the Scot's impressive straight-sets defeat of Feliciano Lopez at the Legg Mason Classic in Washington.

Murray overcame the Spaniard 7-5 6-2 to reach the quarter-finals in his first tournament working alongside Gilbert - a man who guided Andy Roddick and Andre Agassi to top spot in the world rankings.

The British number one meets American Mardy Fish in the last eight. Fish earlier beat Andrea Stoppini, the conqueror of Andre Agassi, in straight sets.

Gilbert's influence appears to be having a positive impact on Murray already.

The first nine games against Lopez, ranked 63rd in the world, went with serve before a long rain delay halted proceedings.

And the chance to discuss the match with Gilbert in the locker room instantly paid dividends for the 19-year-old.

His game moved up a level and although he wasted two set points in Lopez's first service game after the break, he made no mistake second time round.

Another break at the start of the second set maintained his momentum.

And, despite giving Lopez a chance in the fifth game, Murray held on before breaking again to clinch victory in one hour and 15 minutes.

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