Sunday 6 September 2015 12:31, UK
Andy Murray has reached the fourth round of the US Open with an efficient straight sets triumph over Thomaz Bellucci.
The British No 1 has endured a gruelling start to the New York tournament, but he avoided another stamina sapping encounter by securing a 6-3 6-2 7-5 win over the Brazilian.
In the previous round, Murray was forced to overcome a sluggish start in a five-set win over Adrian Mannarino and he faltered again in the early stages, conceding another break.
But the Bellucci's lead was short lived as back-to-back double faults allowed Murray to immediately break back.
Both men battled for control of the opener, with Bellucci stubbornly retaining his serve in a prolonged game, but Murray's majestic forehand gained a second break for a 5-4 lead and he served out for the set.
The second set was less demanding as Murray fashioned an immediate break and Bellucci conceded another with his increasingly wild returns.
After extending his lead, Murray attempted to close out a far more comfortable match, but his world No 30-ranked opponent started swinging with reckless abandon.
Bellucci blasted a number of winners, clawing back points with towering smashes, until Murray took another timely break to move 6-5 up.
He calmly completed the win and will next face Kevin Anderson, who advanced with a 6-3 7-6 7-6 win over Dominic Thiem.
Asked about conserving his energy, Murray said: "It was very important for me today. The last match was extremely tough - physically and mentally.
"It was a lot cooler which helps, so if you get the win in three sets in much cooler conditions, and then you get a day to recover now."
And he added: "Conditions were so much nicer to play in today," the world number three said. "Like after long rallies, you weren't really struggling for breath as much.
"The first couple rounds, it really doesn't get much harder than that. Maybe it will get bad again, but they're some of the toughest conditions you'll play in during the year.
"To get through those matches, especially the second one, was important."
Murray defeated Anderson in straight sets at Wimbledon, but is expecting a sterner test at Flushing Meadows.
"It will be a tough match," said Murray. "He won the tournament in Winston-Salem last week and he's had some good wins here.
"I've played well against him in the past, but it will be a tough match. He serves extremely well, doesn't give you too many chances."
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