Andy Murray eases into Rio Olympics last 16 with victory over Juan Monaco

Andy Murray braved steaming lunchtime temperatures and vociferous support for his opponent to make the last 16 of the Olympic singles with ease.

The world No 2 and now gold medal favourite took just 69 minutes to beat Argentina's Juan Monaco 6-3, 6-1.

He now faces either Frenchman Benoit Paire or Italy's Fabio Fognini, both of them talented but unpredictable.

Andy Murray braved steaming lunchtime temperatures to defeat Juan Monaco on Tuesday

The Scot in action against Monaco in the men's second round at the Olympic Games in Rio

The British tennis star hits balls towards spectators after winning his match against Monaco

Murray, the world No 2, returns the ball to his Argentinian opponent during Tuesday's clash 

Murray won the first three games, was pegged back to 3-2, but quickly forged ahead again, coming out on top of most of the long rallies and clinching the set with his fourth ace.

Monaco, who could well be an opponent for Murray in September's Davis Cup semi-final, had won two of his previous five matches against the Scot but both were more than five years ago.

The many Argentinians in the crowd were providing loud support to Monaco but his serve was taking a pounding and Murray quickly moved into a 4-0 lead in the second set.

The Scot, whose potential quarter-final opponent David Ferrer was knocked out by Evgeny Donskoy, kept his foot firmly on Monaco's throat and a missed backhand from the Argentinian sealed his fate. 

As Murray finished, Jo Konta was about to begin her third round against former French Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova.

Andy Murray and Heather Watson missed out on a spot in the mixed doubles draw – Jamie Murray and Konta will play – but are second alternates in case of withdrawals or injuries.

Monaco, pictured returning the ball to Murray, had vociferous support behind him 

The Great British tennis player clenches his fist in celebration after winning a point in Rio 

Leon Smith (front row, left) and Kyle Edmund (back row, right) watch Murray in round two