Murray makes progress with easy victory

(AP)

Andy Murray continued his comeback from illness by easing into the fourth round of the BNP Paribas Open at the expense of Paul-Henri Mathieu last night.

The 21-year-old world No 4 saw off the Frenchman 6-3, 6-2 at Indian Wells in only his second singles match since withdrawing from the Dubai Open quarter-finals last month with a virus.

Murray has played down his chances of claiming the title, but he showed signs that he is returning to top form against an erratic Mathieu. The Scot was happy with his progress since shaking off the virus but admits he is not yet back to his best.

"I felt good," Murray said. "Physically, I need to get better. I was breathing harder than I'd like after some of the long points. But I was happy with my movement. I'm not putting any extra [pressure] on myself this week though."