Andy Murray struggles past Fernando Verdasco in Paris Masters Djokovic chase

Andy Murray laboured past a determined Fernando Verdasco to reach the last 16 of the Paris Masters on Wednesday and keep the pressure on world number one Novak Djokovic.

Murray is seeking to end Djokovic’s 122-week reign at the top, but the Briton was pushed to the limit by Verdasco in the French capital before prevailing 6-3, 6-7 (5-7), 7-5.

The second seed raced through the opening set but was forced into a decider after Verdasco, who had lost in the first round in five of his past six tournaments, levelled in a tie-break.

The Spaniard then saw two break points pass him by at five-all in the third set, with Murray breaking the following game to finally end Verdasco’s resistance.

“It wasn’t the best match from my side. I got through it. I will play better tomorrow,” said Murray after sealing his 70th win of the season.

“I didn’t get any time on that court, because matches are from 11:00 in the morning and guys have warm-up. So I have hit for like 45 minutes on the court beforehand, and it’s very different to last week, very different conditions.”