Murray books third round spot

Andy Murray remains on course for a fourth grand slam title after he booked his place in the third round of the US Open with a straight sets win over Marcel Granollers.

Playing under the new roof on Arthur Ashe Stadium, Murray was not at his best against Granollers, making 28 unforced errors, but he was still too strong for his opponent and he eased to a 6-4 6-1 6-4 victory.

The Scot quickly moved 5-2 ahead but he was made to work hard as he looked to close out the set, notching up seven net points. He then faced a couple of break points early in the second set but he overcame the danger and won five games on the bounce to take a two-set lead.

The third set went with serve for the first eight games before Murray grabbed the decisive break to all but seal victory.

Conditions were tricky for both players as the closed roof meant the noise of the crowd was amplified, with a torrential downpour adding to the charged atmosphere, and Murray admits it was difficult to hear.

"It's more difficult because we use our ears when we play," Murray said. "It's not just the eyes. It helps us pick up the speed of the ball, the spin that's on the ball, how hard someone's hitting it.

"If we played with our ears covered or with headphones on, it would be a big advantage if your opponent wasn't wearing them.

"It's tricky. You can still do it but it's harder, for sure."

Murray will face either France’s Gilles Simon or Italian Paolo Lorenzi in the next round.

Venus Williams is also through to the third round thanks to a straight sets win over Julia Goerges.

Williams dropped just five games on her way to a 6-2 6-3 win, her 70th victory at the US Open, while Simona Halep defeated Lucie Safarova 6-3 6-4.

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