Andy Murray eliminates Emilio Nava to book US Open third round spot

Andy Murray booked his spot in the US Open third round with a 5-7 6-3 6-1 6-0 victory over American wildcard Emilio Nava on Wednesday.

Three-time major champion Murray had been struggling with cramping issues in the build up to Flushing Meadows this year but now adds his victory over world No.203 Nava to his opening straight-sets win against Francisco Cerundolo.

It was a shaky start for Great Britain’s tennis hero at the Arthur Ashe Stadium, who lost a close-fought first set much to the delight of the American home crowd, before batting back to take the second 6-3 and then steamrolling through the last two 6-1 and 6-0 respectively.

The 35-year-old former world No.1, currently ranked world No.51 as he continues his resurgence from injury problems, could be set to face a big challenge in his next match, facing either Matteo Berrettini or Hugo Grenier.

‘[Emilio Nava] was dictating a lot of the points in the first set,’ Murray said in his post-match interview. ‘I started to hit the ball a little deeper and could then control the points more.

‘He played a really long five-set match [in the opening round] and it’s not easy to recover, so I think that’s why his level dropped, but he’s a brilliant young player and he will have a bright future.

‘Physically this is the best I have felt in the last few years. My movement is by far the best it has been in a long time, that has always been an important part of my game.

<p lang=«en» dir=«ltr» xml:lang=«en»>A solid day for @andy_murray in Arthur Ashe Stadium. pic.twitter.com/49k1GLM1yr

‘I’m getting closer to where I want to be and hopefully I can have a deep run here.’

Murray could next face Italy’s Berrettini, seeded 13th, who was a Wimbledon finalist last year and has enjoyed an impressive