Andy Murray marches into third round of Italian Open in Rome

Andy Murray booked a place in the third round of the Italian Open with a straight-sets win over Mikhail Kukushkin this afternoon.

It took the Scotsman one hour and 25 minutes to seal a 6-3 6-3 triumph on the clay court in Rome.

The world number three, who lost to Novak Djokovic in the final of the Madrid Masters last week, was playing his first competitive match since parting company with coach Amelie Mauresmo.

Murray was denied two early break points in the first set, but he eventually snatched Kukushkin's serve to take the opener in 45 minutes.

After going a break up in the second, Murray's serve was tested in the sixth game when his opponent created two break points, but the Scotsman held before wrapping up the match.