Murray won easily and advanced to the US Open

Andy Murray in action against Francisco Cerundolo on day one of the 2022 US Open Credit: Daniel Parhiskaran -USA TODAY Sports

NEW YORK (Reuters) – Andy Murray advanced to the second round of the U.S. Open with a 7-5, 6-3, 6-3 win over former world number one Francisco Cerundolo of Argentina. Delighted to play on the same stage where they won their first Grand Slam title a decade ago.

The 35-year-old Scotsman, who has battled a series of injuries in recent years, led 5-2 early in the match but fell short before finishing a tight first set and quickly breaking his opponent’s serve. Next, Argentina piled the pressure on the 24th seed in a hot and sweltering Arthur Ashe Stadium.

“Obviously, any time, especially in these conditions, and at the start of a slam, it’s good to go three sets ahead,” Murray said. “He’s an elite player and it’s a good win for me.

“Mentally, how I’ve been the last few weeks, after I’ve done well, it’s not easy going into a five-set match in these conditions. I did well physically and mentally, and I put it in the back of my mind to find a way to get through it.”

Murray avoided Cerundolo’s reaction and dominated the second set to take the lead.

A double break in the third set allowed the two-time Wimbledon champion to go 4-1 up, and he then sealed victory with a long return from the Argentine.

Murray will face American Emilio Nava in the next round.

(Reporting by Srivatsa Sridhar in Bengaluru)

((São Paulo Newsroom translation)

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