French Open 2016: Andy Murray eases into last 16 after beating Ivo Karlovic in straight sets

Andy Murray has booked his place in the fourth round of the French Open after victory over Ivo Karlovic. After five-set epics against Radek Stepanek and Mathais Bourgue in his first and second round matches, the British No1 enjoyed a more straightforward afternoon at Roland Garros on Friday 27 May, easing past his Croatian opponent 6-1 6-4 7-6 (7-3).

The 29-year-old will meet either John Isner, who eliminated Briton Kyle Edmund in his third round match, or Teymuraz Gabashvili in his last 16 clash.

Murray was pushed to his very limit in a draining first week but looked to make swift work of the big-hitting Karlovic, breaking the Croat in the first game and taking the first set inside 25 minutes.

The Scot also broke early in the second set but Karlovic offered sterner resistance before Murray clinched it 6-4.

The Croatian's huge service game was expected to trouble Murray but it took him until the third set to really find some rhythm and force Murray into a tie break. But it wasn't enough for the world No28, with Murray sealing the contest with a huge serve down the middle that had Karlovic scrambling.

"It was very close, especially in the third set. He fought right to the end. I started quickly and obviously it is great to get off court in a relative quick match," Murray said.

"It is not always up to you when you are playing a server as big as him. I had to be patient and wait for my opportunities."