The world number two prevailed 6-2 6-4 over his American counterpart in his first return to action since helping guide Great Britain to the Davis Cup final with victory over Australia last month. Murray dropped serve in his opening game but was comfortable throughout the remainder of the contest, breaking back immediately before winning four games in a row.
Advertisement
I thought I played well.
The second set was a tight affair as neither player created a break point throughout normal play, meaning that a tie-break was needed to separate the two.
The 29-year-old will take on 13ranked John Isner in the next round after the American’s victory over David Goffin. But the Japanese 25-year-old grew in confidence and took advantage of Kyrgios’ heated exchange with the umpire after a line call at the end of the second set.
Johnson was able to keep up with Murray in the second, with the set going on serve until 5-4.
Should Murray beat Isner then he will face either Gilles Simon of France or the Czech Republic’s Tomas Berdych in the last eight, as he bids to win his third title at the Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena.
Advertisement
Elsewhere US Open quarter-finalist Kevin Anderson booked his place in the third round with 6-3 7-6 (7/1) victory over Italy’s Fabio Fognini.
