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Murray clicks into gear to claim impressive Madrid win

Andy Murray's slice game was crucial against Juan Ignacio Chela © Getty Images

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Andy Murray claimed only his second victory on clay this season on Wednesday to hint at a significant return to form ahead of the forthcoming French Open.

Murray beat Juan Ignacio Chela 6-3 6-3 to advance to the last 16 of the Madrid Open, silencing some of the critics who have questioned the Briton's attitude since reaching the final of the Australian Open in January. More importantly, some of the on-court arrogance and desire to chase down lost causes that defines Murray's game was back on display, boding well for his chances at Roland Garros.

Chela was an opponent handmade for Murray given that he had not lost to the Argentinean in four matches since their opening encounter in 2006, but Chela was nevertheless a dangerous proposition given that he had beaten Lleyton Hewitt and Sam Querrey on clay to take the Houston title in April. He had his moments too, particularly at the start of the second set, but Murray's ball-striking was much-improved.

"I was hitting the ball a lot better and started to serve a lot better," Murray told Sky Sports. "I hit a lot of winners today. It's at altitude so it's obviously playing a bit quicker, which allows me to dictate points.

"I'm focusing a lot on getting as far into the tournament as I can, but obviously I'm also looking a lot at how I'm playing. If I play well in the next match I'll be happy. If I can start feeling comfortable on the court again I'll start going deep into tournaments."

The first set proved to be a showcase of Murray at his very best as the Scot broke three times, playing some exquisite drop shots to keep Chela constantly off balance. Murray set out his stall by breaking in the opening game of the match, using drops off the forehand and backhand side, and after holding his own serve to love he quickly accelerated into a 3-0 lead when a Chela forehand went long.

After weeks of media criticism, a rare smile was seen on the Brit's face, yet it was quickly wiped away as Chela assumed a more aggressive approach to claim one of the breaks back. However, the world No. 51 could not maintain the pressure and another fine point by Murray, featuring a squash-like forehand slap, claimed the first set 6-3.

The form book would suggest Murray's dominance should be no surprise after four consecutive wins over Chela, including when they met at Roland Garros last year. However, given Murray's awful recent record, this was exactly the tonic the world No. 4 required.

Chela was not about to roll over, breaking Murray in the first game of the second set, but the advantage lasted only five minutes. Murray battled hard to take the Argentinean to deuce and, at the second time of asking, broke straight back for parity at 1-1.

A double-fault from Chela at 0-15 down in the sixth game then helped Murray set up three break points, which the No. 3 seed took with a stunning running cross-court forehand. Victory was wrapped up in just 73 minutes when Chela sent a backhand long, keeping Murray on course for a semi-final meeting with defending champion Roger Federer.

Victor Hanescu awaits in the third round.

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