The Sports Lowdown For All Your News and OpinionsAndy Murray has launched his bid for a third grand slam title with a battling win over Nick Kyrgois, whilst there was mixed fortunes for the other Brits.
Roger Federer, Caroline Wozniacki and Petra Kvitova were among the big names who eased into the second round in straight sets.
On the second day of the tournament, arguably the most anticipated clash between the young Australian Nick Kyrgios and Andy Murray was the main highlight from the first round matches to be played. However, it was the Brit who eventually won the highly entertaining encounter, recovering from a third set wobble to post a hard-fought 7-5 6-3 4-6 6-1 victory. Murray will now face the Frenchman Adrian Mannarino in the next round.
Murray’s countryman Aljaz Bedene also went through to the second round when Ernests Gulbis retired mid-way during their match, but James Ward was defeated 6-1 7-5 6-3 by Thomaz Bellucci.
In addition, Stan Wawrinka and Lleyton Hewitt secured opening round wins, but Thanasi Kokkinakis was unfortunately forced to retire during the fifth set against Richard Gasquet.
Roger Federer swept past Leonardo Mayer 6-1 6-2 6-2, as Tomas Berdych, John Isner and Ivo Karlovic all progressed in straight sets. However, Donald Young produced an upset in beating Gilles Simon, as the American fought back from a two set deficit to overcome the Frenchman 2-6 4-6 6-4 6-4 6-4.
On the women’s side, Caroline Wozniacki, Simona Halep and Victoria Azarenka enjoyed comfortable wins, as Angelique Kerber and Garbiñe Muguruza also reached the second round. Britain’s Laura Robson lost 3-6 6-3 7-5 to Elena Vesnina despite leading 4-0 in the final set, whilst Johanna Konta conceded just three games in her victory over Louisa Chirico.
