Andy Murray has reached the fourth round of the French Open for the first time as he ground Janko Tipsarevic into submission at Roland Garros.

It might have been a different story on Court Suzanne Lenglen had the Serbian, ranked 65th in the world, closed out the first set when serving for it.

But Murray, as he does so often, dug deep, claimed the first set and putting the finishes touches to the second before Tipsarevic called a premature end to the match, citing a thigh injury with the score at 7-6 (7-3), 6-3.

The world number three's progress to the second week at the French Open represents marked improvement on clay, his least favoured surface, in what is only his third visit to Roland Garros.

Prior to the 2009 season, the British number one had failed to advance further than the third round in any tournament on clay, but having reached the semi final of the Monte Carlo Masters last month, Murray's confidence has sky-rocketed.

It could have been a different story against Tipsarevic had the Serbian displayed the ruthless streak we have come to expect from Murray.

The 24-year-old raced into a 5-2 lead and while the fiery Scot reduced the arrears to 4-5, Tipsarevic twice wasted the opportunity to serve out the set.

And with the bit between his teeth, Murray secured the tie-break before cruising home in the second set before Tipsarevic threw in the towel.