The last time Andy Murray played more than three sets in one match he moved over the Centre Court grass at Wimbledon like Hercules – Harold Steptoe’s horse, not the Roman god. On the hardcourt of Louis Armstrong Stadium on Monday the former US Open champion was more spritely than that hobbling beast and rekindled a smattering of his best moments on day one of the 50th edition of the tournament to eke out a tough 6-7 (5), 6-3, 7-5, 6-3 win over James Duckworth. “It was tricky, especially early on,” Murray said. “James served big and played a lot of drop shots. I played some good stuff at times. I changed on the return game, standing a bit further back, and got into the rallies a bit more. I’ve struggled on this court but it’s a little bit more sheltered and the sun went behind the roof in the end. I’m very happy to be back.” On this showing – admittedly a ludicrously small sample from which to make a considered judgment – Murray can be competitive in the short to medium term at a lower level in best-of-five matches; whether he can regularly reach the levels of stamina and zip that delivered him three major titles and drove his peers to distraction, it is too early to say. The test for him here – in heat forecast to be near to 100 degrees for most of the week – is to recover in time for the second round on Wednesday. It was his concern about playing back-to-back five-setters that persuaded him to pull out at the last minute a year ago, as well as resorting to surgery on his hip just before the Australian Open, then postpone his comeback on the eve of Wimbledon in the summer. Murray’s shot-making and all-round game are in excellent order and his desire is clearly as strong as ever. However, he faces a stiffer challenge in round two against Fernando Verdasco who beat his Spanish compatriot Feliciano Lopez, 6-2, 7-5, 6-4. Murray has won 13 of their 14 matches, most recently in Dubai last year. The hot, still air in the revamped Armstrong stadium was stifling – even for those watching. But Murray’s draining months of rehabilitation after that surgery paid a dividend against an opponent five years younger than him at 26. Duckworth is ranked 448 in the world, having endured his own hospital log of operations from his elbow to his feet, played way above that here. He wasted two break points in the third game and Murray reciprocated two games later, cementing a stuttering pattern of lost opportunities. Murray had two set points in the 12th game and again failed to cash in; a couple of poor mistakes in the tie-break cost him the set, and his resolve would be properly examined in the rest of the match. Andy Murray shakes the hand of James Duckworth after his four-set victory. Photograph: Kena Betancur/AFP/Getty Images He finally got the break to lift his spirits at the fourth attempt and powered on to level at a set apiece. Moving with his old enthusiasm, he fashioned a set point and forced a tired backhand out of Duckworth to take the third. Broken at the start of the fourth, Murray had to dig deep again to tame an opponent plainly relishing the challenge and the atmosphere. After breaking back Murray put quality pressure on his opponent to break again for a 4-2 lead and wrapped it up in style. The way he hunted down a drop shot to get to match point was as revealing as anything he did during the entire three hours and 17 minutes. While Murray was reviving flickering memories of his past after 412 days away from the major championships, the British No1, Kyle Edmund, was succumbing to cramp and a lingering non-specific illness on Court 13 against Paolo Lorenzi. The Italian found enough in his 36-year-old bones to win 4-6, 6-4, 7-5, 6-1 in three hours and 12 minutes and, while Edmund showed admirable pluck to finish, he was swinging from memory for the last hour of it. Lorenzi, ranked 94 in the world but owner of a crafty game (and the most disarming, pasted-on grin in tennis), was having his first match on hardcourt since he blew a two-set lead against Dami Dzumhur in the first round in Melbourne. But he rediscovered his liking for the surface when Edmund’s rhythm and power deserted him in the second set, and the 16th seed looked furious with himself when he planted a closing forehand beyond the baseline. They swapped breaks midway through the third as Edmund fought for parity against a player he should have been ushering out of the tournament. Another over-cooked forehand put him a set down. There is no quit in him, though, and it took Lorenzi nearly 10 minutes to serve out the third game before going on to seal the upset with his 21st ace. Edmund said later he would have to “wait and see” if he was fit enough to play in Great Britain’s Davis Cup tie against Uzbekistan, which begins in Glasgow in three weeks. And whether or not Murray resumes service for his country in the city of his birth is similarly up in the air. Heather Watson, who has had more nightmares here than ever existed on Elm Street, fought hard to avoid another New York defeat but Ekaterina Makarova was too strong at the end of a two-hour battle, winning 6-1, 3-6, 6-3.<doc-sep>Citi Open: Andy Murray plays tennis with Wayne Rooney FREE for news on the biggest players and tournaments SUBSCRIBE Invalid email Sign up forfor news on the biggest players and tournaments When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they'll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time. Murray hadn't competed in a Grand Slam since Wimbledon last year and it took him a while to settle into the match as Duckworth threatened with two break points in the third game. Murray held on and got a break point of his own at 3-2, however, Duckworth came up trumps with winners off the backhand side. The set the drifted into a tie-break and Duckworth earned an early mini-break. Murray fought back to level but Duckworth got the first set point and took it when the 2012 US Open champion went wide. In the second set, Murray broke to lead 3-1 and again in the final game of the set to win 6-3. The third set then went with serve until the 12th game when Murray applied pressure on Duckworth's serve and the Australian hit an unforced error to lose serve and the set 7-5. The fourth set saw back-to-back service breaks twice before a 12th double fault by Duckworth allowed Murray to move 4-2 in front. Duckworth then forced Murray to serve for the match but the Brit showed little nerves, winning on his first match point. Murray will now face Fernando Verdasco in the second round. Andy Murray celebrates his win over James Duckworth Andy Murray vs James Duckworth AS IT HAPPENED Fourth Set (*denotes server) 21:15: Murray said: "At times it was tricky especially early on in the match. James was serving big and playing drop-shots and throwing me off my rhythm, but I managed to play some good stuff. "I made a bit of a change on the return games - I stood further back to give me more time. It helped me get into rallies and that helped me feel more comfortable. Murray* 6-7 6-3 7-5 6-3 Duckworth A double fault by Murray makes it 30-30. Stunning hustle by Murray to reach a short ball and flicks a winner down the line. Match point Murray. And he takes it when Duckworth hits the net with a forehand. Huge relief for Murray after such a tough time. Murray 6-7 6-3 7-5 5-3 Duckworth* Good hold by Duckworth to force Murray to serve for the match. Murray* 6-7 6-3 7-5 5-2 Duckworth Murray wins a duel at the net and is now within a game of the second round. Murray 6-7 6-3 7-5 4-2 Duckworth* Murray forces Duckworth to deuce and then gets break point when he forces an error from the Australian. But Duckworth saves it with a blistering cross-court backhand. Duckworth's 11th match point gives Murray another break point. Duckworth then gets fortunate as a backhand clips the net and drops in. Duckworth frames a forehand into the stands and double faults for the 12th time to put Murray in front again. Murray* 6-7 6-3 7-5 3-2 Duckworth Murray is shouting "come on" with every point he wins but it doesn't put off Duckworth who cracks a brilliant backhand down the line to earn break point. Then Murray hits his fifth double fault of the match to gift the break back. Murray 6-7 6-3 7-5 3-1 Duckworth* Break point Murray after Duckworth misses at the net. Duckworth goes big with his forehand and backhand but Murray nullifies them and the Aussie hits a shot into the net to give Murray a crucial lead. Murray* 6-7 6-3 7-5 2-1 Duckworth Murray gets himself back in front with an easy hold. Murray 6-7 6-3 7-5 1-1 Duckworth* Murray doesn't dwell on the disappointment of losing his serve and breaks straight back as Duckworth double faults. Good response. Andy Murray celebrates his win over James Duckworth Murray* 6-7 6-3 7-5 0-1 Duckworth Duckworth didn't do much but he's broken back after a series of errors from Murray. In response, Murray throws his racket to the ground. No warning from the umpire though. Third Set: Murray 6-7 6-3 7-5 Duckworth* Murray is all over Duckworth in this game and the Australian is struggling to get first serves in. And on break point, Murray forces Duckworth wide and his backhand slice goes into the tramlines. Murray deservedly in front now. Murray* 6-7 6-3 6-5 Duckworth Another classing Murray shot as he passes Duckworth with a cross court backhand. He enjoyed that shot. Then another loud roar by Murray as Duckworth goes long. I expect him to be all over Duckworth's serve in the next game. Murray 6-7 6-3 5-5 Duckworth* No joy for Murray on this occasion as Duckworth holds on. Murray completely misses the ball on his forehand on game point. Murray* 6-7 6-3 5-4 Duckworth Duckworth hits another dropshot but this time it is short and Murray responds by shouting "let's go" at his support box. He wants the break in the next game. Murray 6-7 6-3 4-4 Duckworth* Duckworth gets the better of Murray in another long sliced shot rally. Murray appearing a little irritated by Australian's dropshots. Murray* 6-7 6-3 4-3 Duckworth Another comfortable hold for Murray. Murray 6-7 6-3 3-3 Duckworth* Murray misses a makeable passing shot at the net leading to a few moans from him. Duckworth is keeping himself in the set but isn't hurting Murray on serve. Murray* 6-7 6-3 3-2 Duckworth Murray holds to 30. Andy Murray bounced back from dropping the first set Murray 6-7 6-3 2-2 Duckworth* Murray gets to 30-30 but lets Duckworth out of trouble. Murray* 6-7 6-3 2-1 Duckworth Double British disappointment as Kyle Edmund and Heather Watson exit in the first round. Murray has had a slight limp at the end of rallies but he keeps himself ahead in the third set.<doc-sep>When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they'll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time. Sign up forfor news on the biggest players and tournaments After hip surgery in January and months of rehabilitation, Murray is back competing in a Grand Slam. Ranked 378th in the world, Murray says he is hopeful his body can cope with the added demands of a five-set match. "My body feels better than it did a few weeks ago so that's positive," said Murray. "I haven't played one [a five-set match] so you don't know until you get out there and do it.<doc-sep>JAMES Duckworth has good reason to fancy his chances of stopping underdone former world No.1 Andy Murray in a US Open first-round boilover at Flushing Meadows. Even Murray has modest hopes for his first grand slam attempt since Wimbledon 2017 following almost a year out of the game to recover from hip surgery. “Look, if I was ever going to play Murray, this is probably the best time play him,” Duckworth told AAP in New York. “He hasn’t played a best-of-five-set match for over a year so I give myself a chance. PREVIEW: Your all-encompassing guide to the 2018 US Open TALENT: The key sacrifice that could deliver Kyrgios US success “I’m obviously going to have to play well, but I’m definitely a chance. “Obviously I’m not the favourite going in but I’m going to give it my best shot, take it to him, try to play positive tennis and see how I go.” The Aussie underdog is continuing his own comeback from no less than five operations in 12 months to repair debilitating foot, shoulder and elbow injuries. “We both have a bit of an understanding of what it’s like to be out of the game for an extended period and we’re trying to get back and getting used to playing matches day in, day out,” Duckworth said. “It can be a tough road with injuries and when you return. It’s on your mind because you don’t know how your body is going to react. “There were times I feared I wouldn’t play again. “I had three surgeries on my foot and that was the biggest thing because I couldn’t run, jump or hop — which makes it tough. ” TOUGH DRAW: The legend standing in way of Kyrgios BEAUTY: Bouchard causes New York pandemonium But feeling the best he has in two years, Duckworth hopes to go the distance in a bid to wear out the 2012 champion, who will be playing only his eighth match since returning to tennis in June. “I’ve played a few five-setters in my time,” Duckworth said. “There’s a lot of ebbs and flows throughout the match. You’ve got to sort of ride them a little bit and just be prepared for anything and to go for potentially a long time. “I’m looking forward to it. Another big court will be nice.” The match between the 396th-ranked Murray and world No.448 Duckworth, who gained entry on an injury-protected ranking, will be played at the upgraded Louis Armstrong Stadium. “It’s probably a bit slower than the rest of them, which is a bit different. All the other courts are much faster,” Duckworth said. “But at least I got to hit on it. That’s just stuff you have to deal with and hopefully we get a packed house.”<doc-sep>
It was not always pretty and it was clearly a hugely challenging experience, but Andy Murray won his first Grand Slam match for nearly 14 months here on Monday. Returning to competition at this level for the first time since he limped out of Wimbledon 412 days ago, Murray beat Australia’s James Duckworth 6-7, 6-3, 7-5, 6-3 to reach the second round of the US Open. Duckworth, a journeyman player who, like Murray, has been struggling with injury for more than year, is the sort of opponent the Scot would have brushed aside in his prime, but this was an attritional battle from start to finish. When the Australian won the first set Murray knew that in order to win he would have to play at least four sets for the first time since last summer’s Wimbledon, but the 31-year-old Scot dug deep. He was certainly well below his best and there were times when he appeared to struggle with his movement, but this was a typically gutsy performance. The heat and humidity made the conditions especially testing, but Murray did not wilt. He now plays Fernando Verdasco in the second round. Andy Murray and James Duckworth shake hands (AFP/Getty) Having had hip surgery in January, Murray had not played for 11 months when he returned to competition at Queen’s Club in June. His subsequent comeback has been a tentative one and he made a late withdrawal from Wimbledon last month. After beating Duckworth Murray said that he had felt discomfort in his hip during the grass-court season but was feeling much better now and had always expected to play here, even though he expects to continue to feel pain. “I've got a bunch of matches under my belt, a lot more training and just a kind of better understanding of where my body is at,” he said. Recommended British No 1 Edmund knocked out of US Open in first round The Scot said that last week he had been spending up to six hours a day rehabbing. “I was doingtwo and a half hours in the morning, an hour and a half in the pool in the afternoon, and then on top of that, treatment, which can be anywhere from two to three hours. Pretty intense.” The match was played on the new Louis Armstrong Stadium, the second of the main show courts here. Murray had some disappointments in the old Armstrong, but this was a satisfying start to his comeback. Murray saved two break points in the second game of the match but had not looked to be in any serious trouble until the end of the opening set. Duckworth saved two set points when serving at 5-6 and then went 3-0 up in the tie-break. Murray recovered to lead 5-4, but lost the next three points and the set. However, Murray’s response could not be faulted. Having broken serve in the third game of the second set, the Scot broke again when Duckworth served at 3-5 as the Australian double-faulted at 0-40. Murray got the job done in four sets (Getty) At 5-6 and 30-30 in the third set Duckworth double-faulted again. On the next point he missed a backhand, upon which Murray bellowed out a roar of celebration. Duckworth threw his racket in disgust when he walked back to his chair, which earned him a warning for unsportsmanlike conduct. In the opening game of the fourth set it was Murray’s turn to throw his racket to the floor after dropping serve when he netted a backhand, but the Scot quickly recovered to win the next three games. Duckworth broke back to trail 3-2, only to drop serve again in the following game. At 5-3 Murray went to match point after a point that was a reminder of the Scot at his very best. Having chased down Duckworth’s stop volley, Murray hit a beautifully judged forehand winner down the line. When Duckworth netted a forehand on the next point the former world No 1 raised his arms in the air in celebration. Murray thought he could have moved better in the early stages but was pleased with the way he finished. “I struggled a little bit with that earlier in the match,” he said. “I don’t know for what reason. It was extremely lively conditions out there. It was a lot quicker for me, anyway, than what we have been practising in since we got here. I felt a little bit slow at the beginning.