Andy Murray survived a second-set wobble to beat Tim Smyczek 6-1 4-6 6-2 and book his place in the Farmers Classic quarter-finals in Los Angeles.
In his first event since Wimbledon, the top seed showed no signs of rustiness as he raced through the first set. But he struggled with his serve as he lost the second before composing himself to seal victory in the third. The British number one now faces Colombia's Alejandro Falla for a place in the semi-finals. Falla, who came close to beating Roger Federer at Wimbledon, beat fifth seed Ernests Gulbis 4-6 6-3 7-6 (10-8) earlier in the day. Murray got off to the best possible start as he held then broke his American opponent to take a 2-0 lead.
British number one Elena Baltacha caused a major upset at the Istanbul Cup by knocking out top seed and French Open champion Francesca Schiavone.
Baltacha beat the Italian world number eight 6-4 6-2 in the second round.
Schiavone, 30, was troubled by poor serving but the win was the Scot's third top-10 scalp this season. "I'm really proud of today. I've had such a great year, it feels amazing and I'd like to think that this is the real Elena Baltacha," said the 26-year-old.
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