• Indian Wells

Murray battles into Indian Wells last 16 while Djokovic cruises

ESPN staff
March 16, 2015
Andy Murray saw off Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-1 3-6 6-1 © Getty Images
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Andy Murray overcame Germany's Philipp Kohlschreiber in three sets to move into the last 16 at Indian Wells.

The British No.1 secured a 6-1 3-6 6-1 victory to set up a meeting with world No.38 Adrian Mannarino in the next round.

"I feel I can serve better, I served smart today," Murray told Sky Sports. "I felt like when I was getting myself in position to dictate the points, I wasn't letting up, I was making it tough for him."

Murray has never faced Mannarino, who has already seen off Fabio Fognini and Ernests Gulbis.

"He's improved a lot over the last 18 months, he's up at his highest ranking now," said Murray. "He's had a couple of good wins here.

"He's a talented lefty Frenchman. Most of the French players have a bit of flair on the court. I'll have to play well to beat him, he's got a lot of confidence right now."

Murray is now just one victory short of Tim Henman's 496, an Open-era record for a British man.

Novak Djokovic also progressed to the fourth round with a comfortable 7-5 6-3 victory over Albert Ramos-Vinolas.

The world No.1 rarely looked troubled as he put together a straight sets triumph over Spaniard Ramos-Vinolas, who is yet to win an ATP Tour title.

Djokovic, who would collect a 50th career gong should he defend his championship in the Coachella Valley, must now challenge home favourite John Isner for a place in the quarter-finals.

The big-serving American fired down 18 aces as he found his way past Kevin Anderson 7-6 (8/6) 6-2 in a touch under one hour and 20 minutes.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
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