Andy Murray ground out a hard-earned straight sets win over plucky Illya Marchenko to open his campaign for a first Australian Open title in Melbourne on Monday.
The world number one, who has lost five Australian finals four of them to his key rival Novak Djokovic carved out a 7-5, 7-6 (7/5), 6-2 victory in 2hr 47min on Rod Laver Arena.
It was an unforgiving physical workout for the British top seed, who fought back after a wobbly beginning to wear down his 93rd-ranked Ukrainian opponent in draining heat.
Murray will take on Russian qualifier Andrey Rublev in the second round.
The …read more
Source: African news network 7
