ANDY MURRAY emerged cramp-free from a stress-free US Open opener as he loved a primary straight-sets Slam win since career-saving surgical procedure.
The Scot, 35, had suffered painful cramps in current weeks whereas taking part in tournaments on US and Canadian soil.
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Andy Murray is safely by means of to the second spherical of the US OpenCredit: Rex
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British star Murray beat twenty fourth seed Francisco Cerundolo in straight unitsCredit: AP
But there have been no obvious bodily points on the opening day of this hard-court Slam as he swatted apart No.24 seed Francisco Cerundolo 7-5 6-3 6-3 in two hours and 42 minutes.
Surprisingly, it was the primary time for the reason that fourth spherical of Wimbledon 5 years in the past – and first following his essential hip operation in January 2019 – that he emerged from a five-set encounter with out dropping at the least one set.
Sweat take a look at outcomes taken final week didn’t present any clues as to why he has repeatedly seized up since taking part in in North America following his second-round exit at Wimbledon final month.
Murray, the 2012 US Open champion, made a immodest effort to take on-board loads of fluids throughout this tie and was continually ingesting water bottles in-between video games.
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It took simply two hours and 42 minutes for Murray to beat his Argentine opponentCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Keeping hydrated might show pivotal if he needs to have a very good run within the Big Apple, particularly as he has not reached the quarter-finals of a serious since Wimbledon 2017.
This was an honest match-up within the noon New York sunshine between two dedicated gamers and the primary set on the Louis Armstrong Stadium took a gruelling 65 minutes to finish.
Murray ultimately clinched the lead due to a double fault from Cerundolo within the twelfth recreation.
Yet within the tenth recreation there was an exquisite second of drama when Cerundolo received the purpose however on nearer statement the ball illegally bounced TWICE earlier than he had returned it over the web.
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An enraged Murray consulted with the umpire, who had missed the infringement, and followers made their emotions recognized in direction of the Buenos Aires battler with a collection of catcalls and boos.
When Cerundolo, 24, noticed the incident once more replayed on the enormous display screen, he realised his error and conceded the purpose.
Instead of it being 15-15, the rating was modified to 0-30 in Murray’s favour and the Scot gave a thumbs up in acknowledgement.
In the second set, Murray had the measure of his opponent who had by no means received a fundamental draw singles conflict at one of many 4 Slams.
And when the previous world No.1 lastly claimed the second set, his coach Ivan Lendl uttered a couple of phrases of encouragement having beforehand sat there in a stony-faced temper.
There was little messing about by Murray within the third set and he’ll now face both Australian John Millman or American wildcard Emilio Nava within the second spherical on Wednesday.
Speaking after his victory, Murray stated: “That felt like 5 units to me. Very, very difficult situations, very humid and scorching. But yeah, I’m actually proud of how I received by means of that one.
“It wasn’t simple. He has had a superb 12 months. I knew I used to be going to must play effectively and I did within the essential moments.
“The assist was wonderful, often the 11am matches generally are a bit of bit quiet however the crowd was sensible from the start proper by means of to the tip.
“Obviously I really like taking part in in these types of atmospheres, it helps if you get the assist if you play in these situations.
“It pushes you a bit additional perhaps than you assume you may at occasions. I actually loved it.”
