Another step to glory for Andy?

No money wagered against the third seed and reigning US Open champion Andy Murray in his second round mismatch with Portugal's Joao Sousa.  Having made the final two of the past three years and only missing making last year's by a hair breadth, the mostly miserable looking but apparently happy Scot had methodically taken apart Robin Haase for the loss of a mere 7 games in round one.

To prove to all and sundry that he is in form, Murray chose to win in Brisbane again and now that he has been seeded to play Federer in the semis for the first time in an Aus Open there is a real chance that last year's US Open finalists (Djokovic and Murray) could meet each other in a rematch here for the ultimate prize.

In contrast to the previous match, the points were shorter from the very first one decided in Sousa's initial service game.  The fact that the 100th ranked player lost the opening two points did not shock, but thankfully he fought his way into a contest with the third seed.

Careful not to expend more energy than necessary Andy won his serve with precision, serving strongly and giving us a preview of what sort of forehands to expect as the tournament hots up.  That is figuratively for right now it is quite hot enough thank you. 1-1 but Murray threatening.

As much as Sousa tried to avoid the trouble predicted it was all to no avail in the third game as superior court coverage and weight of shot determined that a break of serve ensue.  And that was all she wrote for awhile for Sousa who watched while Murray added a few more examples to his personal hot shots selection.  Another service break formed an alliance with 2 service holds to assist Andy's forward march to claim a 5-1 stronghold.

Sousa's flagging troops infiltrated the Scottish castle in a last ditch effort and claimed one game but the battle was won by Andy and he raised the flag in preliminary triumph 6-2.

Set 2 was effectively over in the first three games, as Murray pressed hard to break the Portuguese spirit.  Sousa played a reasonable standard of tennis but could not increase the tempo once Murray hit the overdrive switch.  Once the 3-0 had been achieved and Andy returned to human status, the rallies were competitive and the Sousa serve not under as severe threat.
Andy cruised to another 6-2 set win playing as many shots for winners as he felt necessary under the conditions and minimising his mistakes.

A repeat of Set 2 with Murray achieving the break in the first game of the third and giving himself the room to move.  Sousa, increasingly more resilient, refused to give further ground to Murray, winning two of the next four games but in the process continuing to have the same tiny level of impact on Murray's serve.

At 4-3 Andy rolled comfortably through another group of serves and sat one game away from the third round.  Joao advanced to four games but I think that was because Andy was already sitting down at the next change of ends preparing himself for the final serve for the match.

Whatever the happenings in the previous 100 minutes the result was one which could have been predicted.  Murray winning 6-2 6-2 6-4