Andy Murray has progressed through to the second round of the US Open with a straight-sets win over Francisco Cerundolo.
The former champion missed out on a seeding at Flushing Meadows after struggling for consistency during the American swing, resulting in a meeting with the 24th seed.
However, it was Murray who dominated the contest against the Argentine, breaking serve on eight occasions on his way to a 7-5 6-3 6-3 win.
Although the 35-year-old lost his own serve four times, the Scot was always in the ascendancy and should have made things easier for himself.
Murray failed to serve out the opening set when 5-3 ahead, and the same occurred at 5-2 in front in the third when attempting to close out the match.
Nevertheless, Murray was satisfied to win his first Grand Slam match in straight sets since Wimbledon in 2017 to set up a clash with American wildcard Emilio Nava.
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Speaking after the match in New York, Murray said: “It felt like five sets to me, it was tricky conditions, very humid and hot.
“But I’m happy with the way I got through that one. He has had a brilliant year, I knew I had to play well and I did that in the important moments.”
However, British compatriot Kyle Edmund bowed out of the tournament at the first hurdle on what was his first appearance at a major since the 2020 edition of this tournament.
Edmund, who was able to participate at this tournament through a protected ranking, went down 6-3 7-5 6-2 to fifth seed Casper Ruud.