Andy Murray Into Last Sixteen
17 March 2010
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Andy Murray progressed in the last sixteen of the BNP Paribas Open with a straight sets win over Michael Russell.
Murray, who lost in last year's final to Rafael Nadal, has struggled with his form since losing the final of the Australian Open to Roger Federer back in January.
But the world number four seems to have put the troubles of the Dubai Open, where he suffered a shock early defeat, behind him as he saw off the American.
Murray signaled his intent as he earnt three break points in the opening game, converting on the first before producing an impressive hold to take a 2-0 lead.
The opening set was all once way traffic as Murray dominated breaking again in the ninth to wrap it up 6-3.
Into the second and it looked like it was going to be an easy night for the British number one as he broke early to open up a 3-0 lead.
But at 4-1 up, the game seemingly in the bag, Murray began to struggle on serve as Russell took advantage of the second serves that were coming his way breaking Murray as he served for the match.
However he recovered to break the American in the next game to wrap up the match 6-3 7-5. And while it wasn't a convincing performance from Murray the Briton is yet to drop a set.
Speaking to Sky Sports 4 after the match Murray said: He hits a solid ball from the back of the court, he plays very close to the baseline and obviously he's very quick.
"He's got a great attitude, fights really hard and made it difficult."
He will now face Nicolas Almagro, who saw off James Blake in three sets 6-4 3-6 6-3.
In other results from round three action Andy Roddick will be joining Murray in the last sixteen as he beat Thiemo De Bakker 6-3 6-4.
He will now face Jurgen Melzer who had a walkover when illness prevented Simon Greul from playing.
Joe Wilfred Tsonga had a tougher encounter in the third round as he was pushed to three sets by Albert Montanes before sealing victory 4-6 6-3 6-3.
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