Murray cruises past Groth at Australian Open

The British world number two was never troubled in a 6-0 6-4 6-1 victory as he dealt with Groth, one of the sport's biggest servers, comfortably on Rod Laver Arena.

Of the 11 service games Groth played, he was broken seven times as Murray won in one hour, 31 minutes.

Murray showcased his brilliant return game on his way to winning the first set in just 29 minutes, before easing to a 3-0 lead in the second.

Groth had to wait until midway through the second set to win a game – his relief marked by raising his arms in celebration, but there would be more success to follow as he got back on serve.

That was as good as it got for the Australian, who was broken in the 10th game and well beaten in the third set.

Murray used plenty of lobs to trouble Groth, who won just 15 of 46 points when at the net.

STATISTICAL BREAKDOWN

Murray [2] bt Groth 6-0 6-4 6-1

ACES

Murray - 10

Groth - 6

WINNERS/UNFORCED ERRORS

Murray - 35/11

Groth - 23/32

BREAK POINTS WON

Murray - 7/14

Groth - 1/1

FIRST SERVE PERCENTAGE

Murray - 57

Groth - 61

PERCENTAGE OF POINTS WON ON FIRST/SECOND SERVE

Murray - 82/69

Groth - 59/33

TOTAL POINTS

Murray - 85

Groth - 51