Andy Murray through to Open third round in straight sets

Melbourne:  U.S. Open champion Andy Murray had another easy win at the Australian Open on Thursday, a 6-2, 6-2, 6-4 victory over Joao Sousa of Portugal.

Murray, who ended a 76-year drought by British men in Grand Slam tournaments with his win at Flushing Meadows last year, dropped only seven games in his opening match against Robin Haase of the Netherlands.

On Thursday, the third-seeded Murray didn't allow Sousa a single break point chance in steamy conditions at Melbourne Park.

Standing in the way of a potential second Grand Slam title for Murray is a likely semifinal against No. 2 Roger Federer, who will play his second-round match later Thursday at Rod Laver Arena when the hot daytime temperatures were expected to subside.