Big guns have no problems in New York

Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray US Open

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US Open title contenders Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray had no problems booking their places in the last 32 in New York on Thursday.

Top seed Djokovic is the favourite at 2.10 to secure the final major of the year in the absence of defending champion Rafael Nadal and looked every bit a potential winner in his victory over Paul-Henri Mathieu.

The world number one dropped just four games as he thrashed the Frenchman 6-1 6-3 6-0 in an hour and 28 minutes.

Djokovic will face home favourite Sam Querrey next after the American saw off 28th seed Guillermo Garcia-Lopez.

Murray was equally as impressive in reaching the third round of the US Open in the night session at Flushing Meadows.

The 2012 US Open champion saw off German qualifier Matthias Bachinger 6-3 6-3 6-4 in windy conditions on Arthur Ashe.

Murray had issues with cramp in his first0round win over Robin Haase but claimed to feel in much better shape during his win over Bachinger.

“I felt fine the last couple days and had no problems on the Tuesday or Wednesday. I practised well and didn’t have any problem. Tonight was fine, too,” said Murray.

“In terms of hitting the ball, it was okay on Monday – I didn’t feel like I was hitting the ball that badly at all.

“But when you can’t move and your body’s not functioning properly, it’s difficult. Physically I thought I was fine tonight.”
Murray will face Russia’s Andrey Kuznetsov in round three.

Elsewhere in the men’s draw there were wins for Jo Wilfried-Tsonga, Kei Nishikori and John Isner.

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