Andy Murray appreciated the tough test from American Michael Russell as he advanced to the fourth round of the BNP Paribas Open.
The world number four rose to the challenge of his unseeded opponent's early breaks in both sets and credited his serving under pressure for the 6-3 7-5 win in typically blustery Indian Wells conditions.
"Michael's very quick, has a great attitude and made it difficult for me. I started well and was up in the second but he started to make me move whereas earlier I was dictating. The points were getting longer and longer," said Murray.
"The thing that was good about that match is a lot of long, tough games. My serve, when I was down, I played well.
"I saved a lot of break points and played well on a lot of 30-all points," he added.
"Murray next faces Spain's world number 40 Nicolas Almagro, who beat American James Blake 6-4 3-6 6-3.