Murray breezes past Granollers in Italy

Andy Murray made light of a swirling wind to ease past Spain’s Marcel Granollers 6-2 7-5 in the second round of the Rome Masters.

With dust whipping up off the surface and the ball playing tricks, Murray proved far too solid for his unseeded rival as he set up a third-round clash with Austrian veteran Juergen Melzer.

Murray reeled off four games in a row from 2-2 in the opening set and, apart from losing his opening service game in the second set, he always looked in control.

“All the dust and stuff was getting in your eyes.

It was extremely blustery, strong conditions,” Murray, who is looking to get in some match-time for the French Open, told reporters.

Murray will next face Jurgen Melzer of Austria, who battled past 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.

Federer’s return ruined

Roger Federer appeared to lose focus in his first match back after the birth of his second set of twins, losing to 47th-ranked Jeremy Chardy of France 1-6, 6-3, 7-6 (6).

After cruising through the first set easily, Federer began to commit unforced errors at an alarming rate and Chardy quickly took advantage at the Foro Italico.

Federer’s boys, Leo and Lenny, were born last week, prompting the 17-time Grand Slam champion to withdraw from the Madrid Open.

Federer and wife Mirka also have twin girls, Myla Rose and Charlene Riva, who turn 5 in July.