Murray wins on return to Grand Slam stage at US Open

Former world No.1 Andy Murray returned to the Grand Slam stage with a hard-earned four-set win over Australia’s James Duckworth at the US Open.

Making his major comeback after almost a year out of tennis, Murray battled back from a set down to defeat Duckworth 6-7(7) 6-3 7-5 6-3 in a sapping first-round encounter played in brutal New York heat.

FEATURE: Men’s and women’s title predictions

“At times it was tricky, especially early on,” Murray said. “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’m very, very happy to be back.”

Contesting his first Grand Slam event in 14 months, Murray next faces Spanish veteran Fernando Verdasco as he continues his revival after hip surgery last year.

????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????welcome back @andy_murray looking STRONG…

— Chris Evert (@ChrissieEvert) August 27, 2018

“I’m still just taking it one match at a time. I mean, this is the first time I have played four sets in 14 months,” the 2012 champion at Flushing Meadows said.

“I just have to wait and see how I pull up tomorrow. Hopefully I feel good and take it from there.”

Murray spent three hours and 17 minutes getting the win on the new Louis Armstrong stadium.

“I actually felt like I could have moved better. I struggled a little bit with that earlier in the match,” Murray told atpworldtour.com.

“The positive was that actually towards the end of the match, I made some quite good moves. Like the second to the last point of the match, I moved pretty quickly up to the drop volley and stuff and kind of maintained my serving speeds throughout the match, as well.

“So there was some good stuff, but I think I can get better.”

Duckworth, established in the world’s top 100 three years ago before needing five surgeries in 12 months to save his career, will depart New York with renewed belief.

“I can take confidence from this. I’m slowly sort of building,” the 26-year-old said.

“There’s still a fair way to go with my game and just being able to sustain a level physically for extended periods of time.

“But I’ve got no injury concerns, which is nice. I’m going to play just Challengers for the rest of the year and try and win as many matches as I can and get that ranking climbing.”