Radel Stepanek next for Andy Murray in Shanghai

The British number one and third seed was far too strong for his Ukrainian opponent and cantered to a 6-2 6-2 victory in less than an hour.

Two breaks handed two-time defending Shanghai champion Murray the first set and three more followed in the second as he eased past a potentially tricky opponent.

The Scot said: “When you play against him it is very important to play a solid match but also important to play with variety.

“Normally his game gives guys problems if you play the same ball over and over.

“I tried to use the slice a bit, some higher balls and some off-pace balls so he couldn’t have the rhythm to play his normal game.”