A year ago he was just another young hope among many struggling just to get into the main draw at the US Open and delighted when he made it past one round.

Twelve months later he is a name on the tennis map, a favourite target for young autograph hunters and a potential quarter or semifinalist.

Murray once again underlined his credentials with a 6-0, 6-1, 6-1 second round demolition of Italy's Alessio di Mauro, a 29-year-old Italian who comfortably beat him the last time they played at the Challenger Tour level.

"I feel like I'm playing the best tennis of my career. I think that's shown in my results," the 19-year-old from Dunblane, Scotland said.

"It's my favourite part of the year, the American hardcourt stretch. I was looking to play my best here. I have done so so far."

Flushing Meadows is the first Grand Slam event Murray has played since joining forces with American coach Brad Gilbert and he believes that move is already showing dividends.

He reached the second ATP Tour final of his career at Washington, and then pulled off the shock result of the year with a straight sets win over Roger Federer in Cincinnati.

The sky is the limit, some observers have said, and Murray, a naturally cocksure individual, was in no mood to differ.