Murray cruises to win over Melzer

Murray completed a comprehensive victory in an hour and 40 minutes

Britain's Andy Murray powered into the fourth round of the Australian Open with an emphatic 7-5 6-0 6-3 victory against Austrian Jurgen Melzer.

Left-hander Melzer adopted a bold approach and fired 14 winners in the first set, but had 18 unforced errors.

Murray remained calm, and having taken the opener, hit some exhibition style strokes to win the next in 25 minutes.

Fourth seed Murray maintained his impressive level of to secure a last-16 match with 14th seed Fernando Verdasco.

Having survived two break points in the opening game of the second set, Murray was broken in the third set as he served for the match.

Melzer produced a stunning winner down the line and into the corner on match point and took the first point of Murray's next service game, but the in-form Briton sealed the match with an ace.

"My concentration was very good," he said. "He can hit some unbelievable shots and make it very difficult but once I got on top of him I kept my focus really well, especially in the second and the beginning of the third set and I returned much better than against Marcel Granollers.

"I played really well and the support was awesome, and I hope that continues next week.

"When the ball is up around his shoulders he hits the ball very flat, so I used the sliced backhand very well at the start, it's important to change the rhythm."

Murray is next in action on Monday when he plays Spaniard Verdasco, a man who he has beaten on all five of their previous meetings.

"It will be a tough match, he's very flashy as well with a big forehand, but I'm feeling confident and my record against lefties is very good so hopefully I can keep it up," Murray commented.