MURRAY WINS ON RETURN TO HARD COURTS

WASHINGTON: Three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray of Britain rallied for victory on Monday in his first hard court match since March 2017, defeating Mackenzie Mcdonald at the ATP Washington Open.

Former world No.1 Murray, still struggling after ending an 11-month right hip injury layoff in June, needed seven match points to subdue the 80th-ranked American 3-6, 6-4, 7-5. The 31-year-old Scotsman, now world No.832, booked a second round match against British fourth seed Kyle Edmund, who had an opening bye.

NISHIKORI BUOYANT

WASHINGTON: Japan’s Kei Nishikori, back on form after a torn right wrist tendon, returns to the scene of his most recent outdoor title hoping to launch another strong US Open run.

The 28-year-old enters the 50th Washington Open with confidence after his first Wimbledon quarterfinal appearance, where he lost to eventual winner Novak Djokovic.

“After coming back from injury, I’m enjoying the challenge this year. I feel like I’m going to be tough again. My wrist is OK now. I’m going to try and get into the top 10 again. That’s my goal and motivation,” Nishikori said.

AZARENKA WINS

SANJOSE: Former world No.1 Victoria Azarenka outlasted Kateryna Bondarenko 6-3, 6-7(7), 7-5 at the Silicon Valley Classic on Monday to set up a highly anticipated second round clash with top-seeded Garbine Muguruza on Wednesday.