Murray happy to be back as he grinds out tricky win

Andy Murray returned to grand slam tennis a winner as he battled past James Duckworth and into the second round of the US Open.

After missing four successive grand slam tournaments with the hip problem that forced him to have surgery in January, just stepping back onto a match court at one of tennis’ biggest events was already a victory of sorts.

But Murray still fervently believes he can get back to the top of the sport and, although this performance will not have set any alarm bells ringing among his rivals, it was a positive start.

After dropping the first set on a tie-break, Murray gradually began to take control against Duckworth, who could empathise with his opponent having undergone five operations since the start of 2017.

Murray eventually ground out a 6-7 (5/7) 6-3 7-5 6-3 victory in hot and sticky conditions on the new Louis Armstrong Stadium and moves through to a second-round clash with 31st seed Fernando Verdasco.

The Scot said: “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.

“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 beauti- ful, a great atmosphere and I’m very, very happy to be back.”

A cramp-stricken Kyle Edmund fell in the first round of the US Open, losing 4-6 6-4 7-5 6-1 to Italian veteran Paolo Lorenzi.

Edmund said: “Physically I need to get better. It’s an indication of where I’m at. For sure I’m disappointed I’m like this but I’ve just got to get better..”

Heather Watson lost in the first round for the eighth successive year, going down 6-1 3-6 6-3 to Russia’s Ekaterina Makarova.