The Scotsman

Murray to face Nishioka at US Open

- By EVE FODENS

Andy Murray will take on rising Japanese player Yoshihito Nishioka in the first round of the US Open after being given a wild card in New York.

The 2012 champion is set to play in his first grand slam event since his opening-round defeat to Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut at the Australian Open in January 2019, after which he under went an operation to resurface hi ship.

Murray, currently ranked 134 in the world, made a brief comeback towards the end of last year and won the European Open in Belgium in October before further injury problems blighted his campaign.

The 33-year-old returned to action last week at the Western & Southern Open, held at Flushing Meadows, claiming victories over American Frances Tiafoe and world No 7 Alexander Zverev – his first top-10 win in three years – before falling to Milos Raonic in the last 16.

If Murray prevails against N is hioka, he could face 15th-seeded Canadian Felix Auger-aliassime.

Kyle Edmund has been drawn against Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik, with the possibilit­y of a difficult second round against top seed Novak Djokovic.

Djoko vic will take on Damir Dzumhurinh is opening-round match. The

Bosnian has faced Djokovic twice in his career, and has yet to take a set off the world No 1.

Britain’s Dan Evans was drawn against young Brazilian T hi ago Sey both Wild, with an outside chance of meeting Murray in the third round.

Cameron Norrie will face ninth seed Argentinia­n Diego Schwartzma­n in the first round.

In the women’s draw, top seed Karolina Pliskova will take on Ukraine’s Anhelina Kalinina.

Johanna Konta, seeded ninth, will be involved in an all-british tie with Heather Watson in the first round.

Serena Williams, who is seeded third and chasing a 24th grand slam singles title to match the all-time record of Margaret Court, will start her campaign against fellow American Kristie Ahn.

A host of players will be missing from the US Open as they have decided not to travel due to the risks of coronaviru­s.

Defending men’s champion Rafael Nadal, reigning women’ s champion Bianc a Andre es cu, women’ s world No 1 and 2 Ashleigh Bar ty and Simon aH alep and Australian Nick Kyrgios are among the highprofil­e names to withdraw.

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