Thursday 19 March 2015 07:00, UK
Andy Murray continues his Indian Wells campaign against Adrian Mannarino during Wednesday’s exciting schedule of matches in California.
The world No 5 ruthlessly defeated Philipp Kohlschreiber in the third round at Indian Wells and returns to action against the Frenchman, while top trio Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are also back on court.
Murray is facing the 26-year-old Mannarino for the first time in his career and is wary of the threat posed by the left-hander, who defeated Ernests Gulbis last time.
“He's improved a lot over the last 18 months and he's at about his highest ranking right now," said the Scot.
"He's had a couple of good wins here, he's a talented lefty and like most French players he plays with a bit of flair on court.
"I'm sure there'll be some interesting points and I'll have to play well to beat him. He'll have confidence right now."
Top-seed Djokovic showed rare glimpses of vulnerability during his 7-5 6-3 win over Spaniard Albert Ramos-Vinolas.
The Serb recovered well after he was broken twice in the opening set, but could receive another testing match against home favourite John Isner.
Big-serving Isner will be keen to perform in front of the US fans after suffering the decisive defeat to Murray in the recent Davis Cup loss to Great Britain.
Nadal could be forced to raise his game against 13th-seed Gilles Simon after his error-strewn win over Donald Young.
The Spaniard yielded a number of breaks to Young and cannot afford another erratic display against the dangerous Frenchman.
Federer progressed in more impressive fashion, avenging his Australian Open defeat by Andreas Seppi with a convincing 6-3 6-4 victory.
The four-time winner of the tournament, who took just 82 minutes to oust the Italian, will pit his supreme skills against Jack Sock, another American player.
Fifth-seed Kei Nishikori of Japan is on course to face Murray in the quarter-finals, but firstly he must negotiate a tricky encounter with Spain's Feliciano Lopez.
Sixth-seed Milos Raonic also takes on Tommy Robredo, while Tomas Berdych is pitted against Lukas Rosol on a must-see day of men’s tennis.
Watch today's action at Indian Wells on Sky Sports 3, from 6pm.
