Andy Murray overcomes wind and Marcel Granollers in Rome

Rome: Andy Murray kept his focus amid swirling winds to beat Spanish opponent Marcel Granollers 6-2, 7-5 on Wednesday in the second round of the Italian Open.

After taking control early in the first set, the Wimbledon champion closed the match with a break.

While skies were sunny over the Foro Italico, wind whipped the red clay up into the air on occasion and both players had to add spin to keep their shots inside the court.

The seventh-seeded Murray will next face Jurgen Melzer of Austria, who beat Marin Cilic of Croatia 6-2, 6-7 (5), 6-3.

In women's play, American qualifier Christina McHale rallied to beat Italian wild card Camila Giorgi 1-6, 6-3, 6-1, and Australian veteran Sam Stosur eliminated Elena Vesnina of Russia 6-2, 6-3.