Andy Murray advances in Shanghai after Florian Mayer withdraws with injury

Andy Murray of Great Britain talks to Andy Ireland and Jez Green after his practice in Shanghai (GETTY IMAGES)

Andy Murray enjoyed a free pass into the third round of the Shanghai Masters today as scheduled opponent Florian Mayer withdrew through injury prior to their match.

Murray, the two-time defending champion and number three seed in Shanghai, was awarded the walkover victory after Germany's Meyer, who enjoyed a straightforward 6-4 6-0 win over Bernard Tomic in the first round, succumbed to a rib injury.

Having also been handed a first-round bye, US Open champion Murray finds himself in the last 16 of the hardcourt tournament without having struck a ball in anger.

The Scot will meet either Gilles Simon or Alexandr Dolgopolov in the next round.

PA