Murray keeps cool to send Querrey packing

(GETTY IMAGES)

Andy Murray moved effortlessly into the third round of the Paris Masters with a straight-sets victory over Sam Querrey last night. The Scot continued his stunning recent form by storming to a 6-2, 6-4 win – making it 13 wins on the trot since losing the US Open final to Roger Federer in early September.

Given his form here and over the previous fortnight – which has seen him win in Madrid and St Petersburg – Murray is rightly among the favourites in Bercy and he bewildered the American at times. Querrey held serve in the opening game and broke for a 2-0 lead, but Murray is made of stern stuff these days and refused to panic. He fought back impressively to win the next six games in quick succession, Querrey imploding in front of a capacity crowd.

Murray was not as dominant in the second set, but his wonderful flicked winner, when facing the wrong way in the second game, thrilled the crowd and was a clear demonstration of his confidence.

The fourth seed grabbed the lead at 3-2 when Querrey double-faulted three times in one game and although he relinquished it in the eighth game, Murray broke back immediately. Britain's No 1 then squandered three match points before eventually serving out and booking a date with Spain's Fernando Verdasco on Court One this afternoon, with reigning champion David Nalbandian a possible opponent in the following round..