Murray through in Paris

Murray: Into round three

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Andy Murray has reached the third round of the Paris Masters after beating American Sam Querrey 6-2 6-4.

The ease of Murray's straight-sets win once again emphasised his current form, the Scot's latest success being his 13th in a row since defeat to Roger Federer in the final of the US Open early in September.

After his subsequent titles in Madrid and St Petersburg, the world number four is rightly among the favourites in Bercy and he bewildered his opponent at times on Wednesday.

Nevertheless, it was Querrey who made the stronger start and, after holding his opening service game, the American broke for a 2-0 lead.

Murray refused to panic in front of the capacity crowd and instead fought back to win the next six games in rapid-fire succession.

Pressure

With the pressure now firmly on his own shoulders, Querrey imploded - his first serve plummeting to 42 per cent by the end of the first set.

His luck never really turned as the match progressed, although Murray was not quite so dominant in the second set.

However, a cheeky flicked winner when facing the wrong way in the second game thrilled the crowd and offered a clear demonstration of the confidence the British number one currently possesses.

"You can't practise a shot like that, it just kind of happens," Murray later shrugged.

"I watched it on the big screen afterwards and it looked pretty good."

He went 3-2 ahead in the second set after Querrey double-faulted three times and although the 21-year-old relinquished the lead when broken in the eighth game, he broke back immediately.

Three match points were then squandered but Murray eventually served out to book himself a round-three meeting with Spain's Fernando Verdasco on Thursday afternoon.

In control

Murray later said he always felt in control of proceedings, albeit admitting that Querrey had caused him some problems in the second set.

"You can get some easy service games because he's not the best at returning but at 4-3 he hit some good forehands and got himself back in the match," he told Sky Sports.

"I tried to enjoy myself but I had to concentrate."

Murray beat his next opponent 6-0 6-3 on the way to defending his St Petersburg title last week but added that he would not be taking Verdasco lightly.

"I just need to try and stay focused," Murray said. "Obviously, I've had a very good run but he's one of those players, if he plays his best tennis he can be very tough.

"But I've got a good record against him, I played well against him last week and I'll try to do the same tomorrow."