Majestic Murray makes light work of Kyrgios
Nick Kyrgios started brightly on Centre Court, but a woeful slump from the Australian enabled Andy Murray to cruise into the last eight.
Andy Murray was able to move into the Wimbledon quarter-finals with surprising ease as the temperamental Nick Kyrgios fell apart on Centre Court.
Fifteenth seed Kyrgios had been anticipated to provide a stiff test on Monday for world number two Murray, the favourite for the men's singles following Novak Djokovic's shock third-round defeat to Sam Querrey.
However, after performing impressively in a high-quality first set that ultimately went the way of Murray, the Australian seemed to dramatically lose focus as he swiftly slipped to a 7-5 6-1 6-4 defeat.
While Kyrgios' slump is likely to prompt further questions of his attitude, there was much to admire in the performance of the home favourite.
Murray, who has now beaten Kyrgios in all four grand slams, did not face a break point and ruthlessly exploited the second serves of his opponent in a classy display.
The 2013 champion, who has yet to drop a set in this year's tournament, will face Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the last eight.
An absorbing opening set went with serve up until the 12th game, when Murray raised his level at a crucial time.
Two brilliant backhands - a cross-court pass followed by a sliced shot to Kyrgios' feet - got Murray to 0-40 and a third break point was taken when the 21-year-old netted a routine volley.
Kyrgios had landed 88 per cent of his first serves in the opener, earning plenty of free points in the process, but fell away dramatically after getting to deuce on the Murray serve at 1-1 in set two.
As Murray seized control, his use of drop shots typically effective, Kyrgios was soon rushing between points and making basic errors on an increasingly regular basis.
Although there was only one break of serve in the final set, a fightback from the underdog never looked likely and Murray's eighth ace brought proceedings to an end.
STATISTICAL BREAKDOWN
Murray [2] bt Kyrgios [15] 7-5 6-1 6-4
WINNERS/UNFORCED ERRORS
Murray - 36/6
Kyrgios - 29/19
ACES
Murray - 8
Kyrgios - 11
BREAK POINTS WON
Murray - 4/13
Kyrgios - 0/0
FIRST SERVE PERCENTAGE
Murray - 64
Kyrgios - 83
PERCENTAGE OF POINTS WON ON FIRST/SECOND SERVE
Murray - 84/74
Kyrgios - 68/20
TOTAL POINTS
Murray - 96
Kyrgios - 67