Andy Murray takes his winning run on clay to 10 matches with win over Jeremy Chardy in Rome

Andy Murray may have dithered over playing the Italian Open but he confirmed his prime form when he took out strapping Frenchman Jeremy Chardy to reach the third round.

The 27 year-old Scot, two days away from his birthday, looked extremely sharp over a roasting lunchtime fixture to win 6-4, 6-3 in 84 minutes and claim his tenth successive victory on the clay.

Murray had contemplated pulling out of this event to avoid overplaying ahead of the huge eight weeks that await him, which will take in the French Open, Wimbledon and the Davis Cup quarter final versus France that follows.

Andy Murray needed just 84 minutes ease past Jeremy Chardy in Rome 

Murray won his match against Chardy 6-4, 6-3 in what was his 10th win in a row on clay

Murray has looked in unstoppable form in recent weeks winning in both Madrid and Munich

The picturesque setting of the Italian Open in Rome 

Chardy was no match for Murray as the Frenchman was only able to win seven games

The world No 3, who is closing on Roger Federer in the rankings after taking the Munich and Madrid titles within seven days, was left awaiting a match against Belgium’s David Goffin or another Frenchman, Jo Wilfried Tsonga.

Having been persuaded to play by Amelie Mauresmo, he made light of the transition from the slight altitude of his last two tournaments to the hot and dusty surface at sea level at the Foro Italico.

Murray was on the wrong end of a series of hairline decisions in the first set, twice serving aces that were called a let. He got in trouble at 2-3 and needed to save two break points before breaking in the next the next game, setting up the winning point beautifully before putting away a forehand volley.

This was another strong serving display from the Scot, who hit six aces and landed in 72 per cent of his first serves. He broke for 3-2 in the second and once more to take the match, making this his fifth straight sets win in succession.

Murray played with his wedding ring tied to his shoes during his win in Rome

Afterwards Murray said: 'I felt like I moved very well today and I think that's one of the things that are nice about the conditions here. Because it's a bit slower, you can track more balls down. I definitely moved well and made it difficult for him to win free points. That's very important on the clay. 

The conditions are so different here – and they will obviously be in Roland Garros as well - to Madrid. It's just good to get a match and to feel that confidence. I'm sure I would have coped fine at the French if I didn't play here, but it's good to do it.

His 10-match winning streak on clay now equals the best victory sequence of Buster Mottram, who won ten in a row in 1976.

Jamie Murray also had a good day, teaming with Australian John Peers to beat fourth seeds Named Zimonjic and Marcin Matkowski 7-6, 7-6.