Andy Murray beats Thomaz Bellucci to make US Open last 16

Andy Murray has reached the fourth round of the US Open with an efficient straight sets triumph over Thomaz Bellucci.

The British No 1 has endured a gruelling start to the New York tournament, but he avoided another stamina sapping encounter by securing a 6-3 6-2 7-5 win over the Brazilian.

In the previous round, Murray was forced to overcome a sluggish start in a five-set win over Adrian Mannarino and he faltered again in the early stages, conceding another break.

He took two hours and 11 minutes - 66 minutes shorter than against Mannarino - as he denied the night crowd another thriller.

"It was very important today," Murray said of his three-set win.

"My last match was extremely tough physically and mentally. It was a lot cooler today, which helps, and to get the win in three sets.

"I get a day to recover now and get ready for the next one."

The Scot will face Kevin Anderson in the next stage

Kevin Anderson next for Murray

The 6ft 8in South African said it felt "fantastic" after he beat Austria's Dominic Thiem to reach the fourth round for the first time.

Anderson, 29, is a man on an upward curve with a career-high ranking of 14 and he is targeting a place at the end-of-season ATP Finals for the top eight players.

He is top of the aces charts at Flushing Meadows after three matches with 69, and has dropped serve just once.

"I'm feeling really good out there," said Anderson. "I'm just trying to keep things simple."