Andy Murray dismantles Grigor Dimitrov to reach US Open quarter-finals in New York

ByEurosport

Updated 06/09/2016 at 07:52 GMT

World No. 2 Andy Murray secured a quarter-final berth at Flushing Meadows with a dominant 6-1 6-2 6-2 victoy against Grigor Dimitrov to remain on track to challenge for the fourth Grand Slam title of his career.

Andy Murray of Great Britain reacts after beating Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria on day eight of the 2016 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center

Image credit: Reuters

Murray, the 2012 champion, was back in black and in red-hot form on Arthur Ashe Stadium as he crushed winners from all angles.

"It was definitely up there," said Murray, who struck the ball with tremendous accuracy throughout the contest. "I played very well today with very few unforced errors and made it very tough for Grigor. And I served very well when I was behind in the games. Got a lot of free points with my serve and that was important."

Highlights: Murray crushes Dimitrov to reach quarter-finals

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He even was credited with one serve at 141 mph, which he said would be the first of his career that topped 140.

"That would be the fastest serve I've hit, the other best serve was here at the US Open around 138 but I have never hit over 140. I think that was lucky, I only did it once."

"It's an unbelievable court to play on. Great conditions to play on."

Andy Murray of Great Britain reacts after breaking serve against Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria on day eight of the 2016 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center

Image credit: Reuters

Murray has been in remarkable form after triumphs at Wimbledon and the Rio Olympics and is now eyeing a fourth straight major final appearance in the same season and will face Kei Nishikori in the last eight as he continues his quest for a second US Open crown.

Murray: I didn't make any mistakes tactically

"It will be a tough match for sure," added Murray. "I played a really good match against him in Rio a few weeks ago so it will be difficult."

The Scot, who has reached the round of 16 or better in 23 straight major appearances, showed tremendous depth and pace to his game in the early exchanges, breaking the Bulgarian 22nd seed twice on his way to the opening set, which he sealed with an ace, in just 30 minutes.

Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria hits to Andy Murray of Great Britain on day eight of the 2016 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center

Image credit: Reuters

After racing into a 3-0 lead in the next, former Wimbledon semi-finalist Dimitrov stopped the rot thanks to his first break of serve in the match, but his service game immediately unravelled, failing to capitalise on his opportunity and Murray took full advantage by steamrolling his way to a two sets to love lead.

The 25-year-old, once nicknamed "Baby Fed" for his game's resemblance to that of Roger Federer, was in the round of 16 at a major for the first time since the 2015 Australian Open, but was unable to cope with Murray's precision, power and touch.

"Today I ran out of fuel, I think, physically and mentally," said the Bulgarian.

Andy Murray of Great Britain hits to Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria on day eight of the 2016 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center

Image credit: Reuters

The British No 1 ran away with the third set to complete victory and reach his sixth quarter-final at Flushing Meadows.