Murray through safely in Indian Wells as Almagro retires

IT WAS business as usual for British number one Andy Murray as he marched into the quarter-finals of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells.

IN CONTROL: Andy Murray had only a short time on the court before Nicolas Almagro retired (Getty Images)

Opponent Nicolas Almagro retired with an ankle injury, meaning Murray will play sixth-seed Robin Soderling, who beat Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in straight sets, in the last eight.

Murray was well in control before the unprompted retirement, with the number four seed leading 6-2 1-0 when Almagro withdrew.

The Spaniard was quickest out of the blocks and went an early break up but Murray roared back and took full control of the match.

The 24-year-old called for treatment to his left ankle at the end of the first set and eventually withdrew from the match when Murray held his serve in the first game of the second set.

Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic crashed out 7-5 6-3 to Croat Ivan Ljubicic, but Rafael Nadal overcame John Isner 7-5 3-6 6-3.