Andy Murray: Scot beats Steve Johnson to ease into third round of Shanghai Masters
The British number one secured a comfortable 6-3 6-2 win over the American to set up a third round encounter with France's Lucas Pouille
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Your support makes all the difference.British number one Andy Murray produced another dominant display to record a comfortable 6-3 6-2 win over American Steve Johnson and book his place in the third round of the Shanghai Masters.
The world number two had been given a bye into round two, and was soon on the offensive to follow on from his success at the China Open last week.
Murray survived an early break chance against him in the opening game, before forcing a break of his own to love in game six.
Another unanswered service game from the 29-year-old saw him move into a 5-2 lead against the man whom he defeated in the Olympic quarter-finals en route to gold in Rio.
Murray's greater athleticism around the court was proving key as the Scot went on to close out the first set in 41 minutes.
Johnson, the world number 24 from California, was finding it difficult to get a foothold in the match and let frustrations get the better of him with some colourful language at the start of the second set.
The American then received a warning for smashing a ball away as he faced three break points in the third game.
Murray, though, did not let the opportunity slip, as he converted the next chance to move 3-1 ahead, with Johnson bemoaning an earlier line call to the umpire during the break.
The British number one did not relinquish control, keeping pressure on Johnson's next serve, and delivered another break as the American lashed a baseline return wide.
Murray held to lead 5-1, and although Johnson reduced the deficit, it was only delaying the inevitable as the British number one served out for the match, completing victory in one hour and 16 minutes.
The Scot said in a court-side interview with Sky Sports 2: "There was a tight start, but then once I got ahead I managed to keep the momentum.
"I played well tonight, I like the conditions here and hopefully I can continue that tomorrow."
Next up for Murray will be Lucas Pouille after the French 13th seed beat Nicolas Almagro.
Speaking about his opponent, Murray said: "It will be a hard match. He goes for his shots, serves well and is quick around the court.
"He takes quite a lot of risks out there, and likes the big matches. He is very consistent in his results and I will try and put in a good performance to get through it if I can."
PA.
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