Andy Murray is raising his game at Indian Wells, says Miles Maclagan
Tuesday 17 March 2015 13:23, UK
Andy Murray displayed his ruthless streak in a third round win over Philipp Kohlschreiber at Indian Wells, says Miles Maclagan.
The Scot raced through the opening set, but then dropped the second following a brief lapse in concentration.
That prompted a swift response from Murray, who eventually wrapped up a 6-1 3-6 6-1 victory against the 31-year-old German.
ATP Masters Tennis
A meeting with Adrian Mannarino lies ahead in California and Miles Maclagan, a former member of Murray's coaching team, believes the 27-year-old is starting to raise his game at the right time.
"He played very well, came out, played aggressive tennis, and took charge of it," said the Sky Sports expert.
"Kohlschreiber got up to pace in the second set, but Murray showed in the third that he had more gears to go.
Kohlschreiber got up to pace in the second set, but Murray showed in the third that he had more gears to go.
"He put Kohlschreiber under a lot of pressure, right from the start, and took matters in his own hands in that first and third set. He didn't allow him to play.”
Murray is preparing for his first ever match against Mannarino, who ousted Ernests Gulbis in the previous stage, and Maclagan believes the British No 1 should be a class above the Frenchman.
"There is no question he can get through it, but there is no question that it’s a potential banana skin, if he doesn’t play well," said Maclagan.
"If he goes out and plays like he did today, then he does have the ability to blow him away."
Murray has remained on course for a possible quarter-final clash with Kei Nishikori and Maclagan feels he will be keen to avenge his defeat by the Japanese player at the ATP World Tour Finals.
He said: "It would be one to watch. I think Murray lost to him at the O2 Arena last year, so he would like to set that record straight.
"Those two are also vying for the fourth and fifth spot in the world, it’s all pretty close, and it will be a good one to watch."
Watch live action from Indian Wells on Tuesday March 17 from 6pm on Sky Sports 3.
