New world number two Andy Murray notched a 7-6 6-2 victory over Spain's Nicolas Almagro to make a successful start to the defence of his Cincinnati Masters title.
Fresh from his victory at the Montreal Masters, Murray served notice that he was intent on continuing his recent good form by not dropping a point in his first three service games.
But the Scot had to save a set point to reach the first set tiebreak which he won 7-3.
Murray never looked troubled again after securing an early break in the next set and a further break in game eight saw him clinch the match and avenge his defeat at the hands of Almagro at the French Open.
World number 17 Radek Stepanek awaits in the next round as Murray, who unconventionally opted to be driven to Cincinnati from New York, goes for his second successive tournament victory.
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal will be keen to bring his winning streak to an end and dent his US Open preparations.
Federer defeated Argentine Jose Acasuso 6-3 7-5 while Nadal, who has downplayed his chances of glory in Cincinnati, won a close encounter against Italy's Andreas Seppi 7-6 7-6.
Andy Roddick lost by the same scoreline to big-serving Sam Querrey and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga was another high-profile casualty, losing 7-6 6-2 to Australian Chris Guccione.
Fresh from his victory at the Montreal Masters, Murray served notice that he was intent on continuing his recent good form by not dropping a point in his first three service games.
But the Scot had to save a set point to reach the first set tiebreak which he won 7-3.
Murray never looked troubled again after securing an early break in the next set and a further break in game eight saw him clinch the match and avenge his defeat at the hands of Almagro at the French Open.
World number 17 Radek Stepanek awaits in the next round as Murray, who unconventionally opted to be driven to Cincinnati from New York, goes for his second successive tournament victory.
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal will be keen to bring his winning streak to an end and dent his US Open preparations.
Federer defeated Argentine Jose Acasuso 6-3 7-5 while Nadal, who has downplayed his chances of glory in Cincinnati, won a close encounter against Italy's Andreas Seppi 7-6 7-6.
Andy Roddick lost by the same scoreline to big-serving Sam Querrey and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga was another high-profile casualty, losing 7-6 6-2 to Australian Chris Guccione.
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