Andy Murray rediscovers his aura in time for showdown with Jack Draper

L ate on Friday night, as he prepared for his second match at Indian Wells, a slice of good fortune fell Andy Murray’s way. His second-round opponent, Pablo Carreno Busta, withdrew from the tournament because of injury and Murray instead lined up to play against Radu Albot, a lucky loser who has spent most of his career in and out of the top 100.

While Murray had a great chance against Carreno Busta, a contest against one of the top counter-punchers in slow and windy desert conditions was likely to drag on for three exhausting sets. Instead, Murray quietly handled his business and secured his first straight-sets win since September, setting up a fascinating third-round encounter with Jack Draper.

For so long, it felt like luck was conspiring against Murray as his initial hip injury and surgery was followed by a constant string of injury niggles. Then he struggled to find rhythm and confidence last year. The early indications of this season are that Murray’s luck is turning and things are slotting into place.

Over the past two remarkable months, Murray has demonstrated the full range of his grit and perseverance. He has saved match points in three victories and he was two points from defeat in two others. His comebacks are testament to his improved form and his enduring mental strength, but also that for the first time in a while he has something of an aura around him. In the decisive moments, his opponents are wary of him again.

In his first-round match against Tomas Etcheverry on Thursday, Murray played extremely well to hold off a fast-rising youngster. He struck his forehand brilliantly, trusting it to dictate while finishing points at the net and moving spectacularly. But it also demonstrated what needs to improve