Newport | Murray eases into last 16

Andy Murray is aiming to get a seeded spot in the up-coming US Open so he needs some good results in the events leading up to the fourth major of the season.

I've been playing better the last few months. But if you want to have deep runs in the biggest tournaments it does help to have a seeding, so I'll try my best to do that Andy Murray

And his first step towards that goal is reaching the last 16 on the grass courts at the Hall of Fame Open after romping past Sam Querrey 6-2 6-0 defeating the American former top 20 player in 54-minutes.

“That’s a big goal of mine these next few weeks,” Murray admitted.

“I’ve been playing better the last few months. But if you want to have deep runs in the biggest tournaments it does help to have a seeding, so I’ll try my best to do that.

“One match closer today. Hoping for a good run here.”

In what were trick windy conditions, the former world No. 1 from Scotland, demolished his 34-year-old opponent who is famed for his powerful serve and has slipped to 281 in world terms, by claiming ten consecutive games and converting all the six break points he raised.

“It was really awful conditions to play tennis in, to play well, so breezy and difficult,” the 35-year-old Murray said.

“I’m sorry maybe the tennis wasn’t that much fun to watch but we’re doing the best we can given the conditions.”

Sixth seed Murray next plays for a quarter-final berth against 202nd-ranked Australian wild card Max Purcell, who partnered compatriot Matthew Ebden to the Wimbledon doubles champion at the weekend, following his win over France’s Adrian Mannarino 6-3 1-6 7-5.

“It’s amazing to be back here and playing on this court again after 16 years,” Murray, currently ranked 52, said.

“You never know how close you are to the end but I’m aware I’m getting toward the end of my career,” Murray added.

“So I want to make the most of every match in every tournament I get to play.”

After an opening exchange of breaks, Murray broke Querrey again to edge ahead 4-2 and then held and broke again when Querrey sent a backhand wide to take the first set after 31-minutes before dominating the second.