Andy Murray got his clay court season off to a winning start with a workmanlike win over Romania's Victor Hanesecu at the Rolex Monte Carlo Masters.

After three 2009 titles on hard courts, Murray knows he must improve his clay form to give a rounded edge to his growing reputation.

However, the number four seed had the worst possible start.

He opened up with an ace and then made a succession of unforced errors as Hanesecu gained an early break. But it was to be as good as it got for the world number 35.

Murray broke straight back and after an exchange of service games won the next four of the spin to wrap up the first set in quick-fire fashion.

And he continued to dominate the second set, securing his progression to the third round 6-3, 6-2 in just 87 minutes.

"It was a good start, I've got to be happy with it," said Murray.

"I moved nicely and was getting good shape on my shots and I didn?t make too many mistakes, although I could have served a little better."

In truth, Hanesecu, who won his only previous tour title on clay in Gstaad last year, was no match for Murray, despite his rustiness on the rusty surface.

And a stiffer challenge will lie in wait in the third round with Croatia's Marin Cilic, the world number 18, his likely opponent on Thursday.

The pair have played each other twice before with Murray winning on both occasions, although those victories, in the Madrid Masters and Davis Cup, came on hard and grass courts.