Andy Murray outlasts Tomas Martin Etcheverry in Indian Wells Grueller

Murray won the match 6-7 (5) 6-1 6-4 as the British tennis hero once again demonstrated his mental and physical strength.

The experienced Scot gave up the opening set in a tiebreak before storming home to victory.

The 35-year-old has scheduled a second round meeting with world No. 17 Pablo Carreno Busta. This takes place tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Emma Raducanu marked her injury comeback with a fine 6-2, 6-3 win over Danka Kovinic.

Raducanu’s participation in her first game since losing to Coco Gauff in the second round of the Australian Open in January was in doubt after she revealed the wrist problem that had plagued her last season had returned.

But the British number one, who had withdrawn from last week’s event in Texas and an exhibition tournament earlier this week, put on a composed performance although clearly not at 100 per cent to advance to the next stage.

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Raducanu trained with bandages on both wrists at Indian Wells on Wednesday, but it was the 20-year-old’s recent tonsillitis that seemed to cause her the most discomfort during Thursday’s game.

Raducanu lost the first two games but broke back in the third before capitalizing on a series of unforced errors from Kovinic to win six straight games and grab the opening set in 33 minutes.

Despite her first set triumph, Raducanu struggled with her breathing between the points and lost the first two games of the second set.

However, just like in the first, the British star immediately broke back, winning four straight games en route to her next-round spot to claim just her third win in an injury-plagued season in an hour and 22 minutes.

She meets Polish player Magda Linette for a place in the third round.

“It was a good game,” said Raducanu. “ Danka is an extremely difficult opponent. I was expecting a fight and I’m just glad I’m coming through.

“I’m glad I persevered. Breaking down is obviously difficult, but mentally I just took it one point at a time.”

Looking ahead to her next opponent, Raducanu added, “Magda had a great season and her results prove it. I’m looking forward to the match and looking forward to playing another round at Indian Wells.”