Monday 16 March 2015 22:19, UK
Andy Murray overcame a second set slip-up to claim a 6-1 3-6 6-1 win over Phillip Kohlschreiber in the third round at Indian Wells.
The world No 5 appeared to be easing to victory when he breezed through the opening set, but dropped the second after a brief lapse, sparking a ruthless response as he set-up a meeting with Adrian Mannarino in the next stage.
Fierce returns had immediatedly forced the German onto the back foot, and Murray claimed the first break with sizzling cross-court forehand.
The Scot was seizing upon a string of tentative serves and he ripped another forehand into the corner to secure his second break and move 5-1 up in the first set.
Murray served with authority and calmly closed out the opening set, with Kohlschreiber dumping a slack return into the net.
But the world No 29 stood firm at the start of the second, saving a break point with a fizzing forehand of his own after Murray set-up the opportunity with a back-hand volley at the net.
Murray, at last, was being made to work on his own service games and produced two timely aces while holding at 3-3.
But Kohlschreiber finally gained a break, at the sixth time of asking, when Murray’s forehand floated into the tramlines, and then served out the set following an audacious backhand, almost from behind his own back.
Facing a more demanding task, Murray regained his aggressive streak and started to attack Kohlschreiber’s serve with increasing vigour, earning an early break to move 2-0 up.
He soon added another, pounding away with his double-handed backhand to move 4-0 up, and booked his progress in ruthless fashion.
