Andy Murray has delivered a masterful performance on his return to Flushing Meadows, defeating Michael Llodra 6-2 6-4 6-3 in 98 minutes to reach the second round of the US Open.
The reigning champion got off to a flying start by breaking in the first game of the match before holding for a 2-0 lead.
The Frenchman managed to get a couple of games on the board but he was struggling to cope with the Scot's returning, which was in perfect rhythm. Murray broke to love for a 5-2 lead and went on to serve out the first set inside 26 minutes.
Just when it looked plain sailing for the 26-year-old, he was stunned by the loss of serve early in the second set as Llodra upped his aggression.
However, at 3-1 down Murray showed all of his physical prowess to hunt down a drop shot to set up two break points, only one of which he needed to get back on serve.
The turnaround was complete when the 33-year-old dumped a backhand volley into the net to put Murray 4-3 ahead. The world number two was in top form as he blasted his way to a 6-4 triumph.
It was a stroll for Murray in the third set, which he captured 6-3 to set up a second-round match with Leonardo Mayer, who beat Romania's Victor Hanescu 7-6[4] 6-4 3-6 7-6[4].
Michael Penkman
