Andy Murray beats Matthias Bachinger at US Open

Murray is ranked nine in the world, and seeded eighth at Flushing Meadows

Andy Murray made short work of German qualifier Matthias Bachinger in a windy night session at the US Open.

The British number one had too much class for the world number 235, winning 6-3 6-3 6-4 to reach the third round.

There he will face Russia's Andrey Kuznetsov, who knocked out 31st seed Fernando Verdasco in five sets.

"It was extremely windy today," said Murray.

"That was the hardest part about the conditions - just very, very breezy and difficult to play close to the lines.

"But I hit the ball well considering, served better, and obviously I moved a bit better today as well."

Murray, seeded eighth, was an overwhelming favourite against the 27-year-old Bachinger, a contemporary from junior days.

The Scot did carry lingering concerns over his fitness after cramp nearly ended his hopes in the first round against Robin Haase, but there seemed little danger of a repeat on a cool New York evening.

"I hope I feel better every day now," Murray added.

"I felt fine the last couple days and had no problems on the Tuesday or Wednesday. I practised well and didn't have any problem. Tonight was fine, too."

It was the gusting breeze that posed the most trouble for both men but, after a low-key start in a half-empty Arthur Ashe Stadium, the 2012 champion took control.

Bachinger gifted him a break with two forehand errors in the eighth game and never looked likely to recover.

Murray has shown signs of fragility in a year that has yet to yield a title, repeatedly giving up strong positions in matches, but he was not about to let Bachinger into the contest.

A break at the start of the second set kept the pressure up and confidence began to flow through Murray.

Murray is a month older than Bachinger, whom he played against in the junior ranks

A killer drop shot roused the crowd in the second game, and a brilliant backhand winner after chasing down a lob had Bachinger puffing out his cheeks in exasperation.

The German ended the second set flat on his back behind the baseline after crumbling under some solid hitting from Murray, with just an hour on the match clock.

Bachinger finally got his chance when he earned his first break points at 0-40 early in the third set, only for Murray to see them off with positive intent and close in on victory.

After five break points slipped by at 4-3 as Bachinger held on admirably, Murray broke to love to seal the win after one hour and 46 minutes.

"In terms of hitting the ball, it was OK on Monday - I didn't feel like I was hitting the ball that badly at all," said Murray.

"But when you can't move and your body's not functioning properly, it's difficult. Physically I thought I was fine tonight."

There was no recurrence of the cramp that beset Murray in his opening-round win over Robin Haase

Murray's serve lacked some power but proved effective enough against Bachinger

Murray's girlfriend Kim Sears, who he met at the tournament in 2005, was in the crowd to see his win