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Murray returns to see off Mahut

Andy Murray battled to see off Nicolas Mahut © PA Photos

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Andy Murray returned to court at Queen's on Thursday afternoon to wrap up a 6-3 7-6(5) win over Nicolas Mahut to book his place in the third round of the Aegon Championships.

Murray was a set to the good when play was halted the previous day on account of rain, but the interruption did not deter the No. 1 seed who staved off a stiff challenge from Mahut to claim the win.

Mahut, who had no answer to Murray's superior play on Wednesday, continued with his attacking gameplan and a good slice followed by a rush to the net saw Murray throw a lob over the baseline and earn the Frenchman a break point. Mahut advanced to the net again on break point, but he proved a sitting duck for Murray who flashed a forehand pass down the line.

A strong hold from Mahut allowed the Frenchman to put Murray under pressure in the following game. The Brit saved break points and wrapped up the hold with a touch of fortune, as a framed forehand landed on the line.

Mahut produced a Boris Becker moment to warm up the crowd on a cold day at Queen's as he dived full length to make a winning volley.

The pair traded strong holds to take the second set into a tiebreak. Mahut beat Murray at the same stage last season, but the Brit ensured there was no repeat by getting ahead early thanks to a stunning backhand. A fabulous forehand down the line earned Murray match points and he took the first of them with a brilliant passing shot on the run.

Murray will play Marinko Matosevic, arguably best known for kicking over Rafael Nadal's water bottles, later on Thursday.

Dan Evans' fine run at Queen's came to an end as former US Open champion Juan Martin Del Potro shrugged him aside 6-0. 6-3.

Del Potro's next meeting will be against Lleyton Hewitt who battled back from a set down to beat Sam Querrey 5-7 6-3 6-4.

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