Murray digs deep

Murray: Came out on top

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Britain's Andy Murray booked his place in the third round of the Paris Masters with a battling three-set victory over James Blake.

Murray, seeded fourth for the event, was made to work hard for his 6-3 6-7 (5-7) 7-6 (7-4) victory over the American which did not finish until the early hours on Thursday morning.

As well as overcoming the late start time, Murray appeared to be struggling with a groin injury, which he was seen nursing on numerous occasions.

Fresh off his Valencia Open triumph four days previous, Murray wrapped up the opening set 6-3 despite relinquishing serve on one occasion.

However the British number one was less fluent in the second, rarely imposing himself on the Blake serve as the set drifted towards a tie-breaker.

Blake moved into a 6-4 lead in the tie-break before Murray gave another injury scare with a heavy fall as he scrambled for the ball.

And the American took full advantage to wrap up the set.

The injuries were clearly hampering Murray in the deciding set, however he dug deep to take the set to another tie-break.

Murray gained the early control and although Blake threatened a comeback the world No.4 held on to win it 7-4 and end the contest after two-and-a-quarter gruelling hours.

The Scotsman's reward for the win is a last 16 clash with 13th seed Radek Stepanek, a straight-sets winner over Viktor Troicki earlier in the day.