Andy Murray finds his rhythm to get past '˜tricky' Gilles Simon at Madrid Open

Andy Murray, from Britain, serves against Gilles Simon, on his way to a 6-4 6-2 win at the Madrid Open. Picture: AP/Francisco Seco.

The world No 2, attempting to retain the clay-court title he won last year, ran out a comfortable 6-4 6-2 winner.

The opening set went with serve until the 10th game, when Murray’s relentless pressure finally told.

A stunning cross-court pass from the tightest of angles at 30-15 rattled the Frenchman and Murray duly broke to take the set.

Murray then broke his frustrated opponent in the second game of the second set.

He had won five games in a row before Simon stopped the rot by holding serve, but that was merely putting off the inevitable.

A lengthy delay in proceedings while a spectator received medical attention failed to knock Murray off his stride and another break sealed a routine victory.

“It was good,” said the Scot.

“At the beginning of the match I didn’t return that well, but after that I started to get some rhythm on my return and I was able to dictate a lot of points.

“I served well and he wasn’t able to put pressure on my serve. He’s a tricky player, he lulls you into a false sense of security and dictating the points is not easy.”

World No 1 Novak Djokovic secured his place in the last 16 with a straight-sets win over training partner Borna Coric.

The Serbian top seed, who had a bye through from round one, came through 6-2 6-4 against the 19-year-old Croat, and will face Roberto Bautista Agut of Spain.

Djokovic has spent time working with Coric and believes the 6ft 1ins teenager, ranked 40 in the world, has a bright future.

“We know each other well. We have practice many times. I do see myself in him a little bit. We play a similar style. He’s a great fighter,” said Djokovic.

“For his age, he is quite mature and mentally tough. We have a very nice relationship.

“Today was the first official match we have played against each other, so I was happy with my performance.”

Jamie Murray’s five-week reign as world doubles N0 1 will end on Monday after defeat in Madrid.

The Scot and Brazilian Bruno Soares were beaten 6-4 7-6 (7/4) in the second round by Finn Henri Kontinen and Murray’s former partner John Peers.

Murray took over from Brazilian Marcelo Melo at the top of the standings following the Miami Open, becoming the first British player ever officially to be ranked world No 1.