FRENCH OPEN: Murray struggles but advances in chilly Paris

ANDY Murray admitted he struggled to find his rhythm after repeated rain delays in his French Open second round clash with Juan Ignacio Chela.

CONGRATULATIONS: Andy Murray shakes hands with Juan Ignacio Chela following his French Open win (Getty Images)

Murray completed his 6-2, 6-7, 6-3, 6-2 victory after more than 24 hours, which included four rain delays.

It was near darkness when he hit the winner - a cross-court backhand that was illuminated by the flashbulbs of fans who stayed late into the chilly Parisian night.

"When you're waiting around all day you feel a little bit lethargic and I was pretty slow to get going," he said.

"However, I got into some long rallies and spent more time on court and I thought I played really well, especially towards the end of the match.

"Coming off the court for 15 minutes or a little bit longer, it's tough to get into a rhythm.

"It's a difficult thing to do and I've only had it once before in my career, It was against Rafa at the US Open in 2008, where it was two sets to one and it got rained off for the day. 

"Thankfully rain delays have not really happened in my career."

Murray will play number 25 seed Marcos Baghdatis in the third round, following his tough 4-6, 6-1, 7-5, 6-2 win over Marcel Granollers.