Andy Murray wins opening match at US Open against James Duckworth
Murray grinds out victory in hot and sticky conditions on the new Louis Armstrong Stadium to move through to a US Open second-round clash with 31st seed Fernando Verdasco
Tuesday 28 August 2018 08:00, UK
Andy Murray made a winning start to his US Open campaign after defeating Australian James Duckworth in four sets to reach the second round at Flushing Meadows.
Former champion Murray dropped the opening set but gradually began to take control and he battled back to dispatch the 448th-ranked Australian 6-7 (5-7) 6-3 7-5 6-3.
"At times it was tricky especially early on, it was very lively, very hot. James was serving big and playing a lot of drop shots, throwing me off rhythm. I was happy I managed to get through that and play some good stuff at times," said Murray.
"I've lost a lot of matches out here over the years, I've struggled a lot, but it's like a new beginning. It was beautiful, a great atmosphere and I'm very, very happy to be back."
Murray was making his first appearance at a Grand Slam since last year's Wimbledon after almost a year out of the game.
The Scot, playing just his fifth tournament of the year after undergoing hip surgery in January, has slumped to 382 in the world, but he looked encouragingly fresh as he wrapped up victory after three hours and 18 minutes.
Murray will next meet Spain's Fernando Verdasco for a place in the last 32 after the 34-year-old defeated fellow countryman Feliciano Lopez 6-2 7-5 6-4.
Cameron Norrie joined compatriot Murray in the second round with a strong 7-5 4-6 6-4 6-3 victory over another Australian, Jordan Thompson.
Norrie served 11 double faults but hit 41 winners as he progressed to the second round at Flushing Meadows for the second successive year.
The 23-year-old has enjoyed a swift rise up the rankings since turning professional last spring and, having come through qualifying here 12 months ago, is now in the top 70.
He played like it against Thompson, a 24-year-old ranked 108, and moves through to a second-round clash with Serbia's Dusan Lajovic.
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Tennis is back on Sky Sports screens with the Laver Cup in September while we will also have coverage of the ATP Finals in November with every match live on Sky Sports. But first, we will be across the final major of the year in New York as the US Open gets underway on August 27, right through to the final with live blogs, reports, features and reaction.
