NEW YORK, August 27, 2018

Andy Murray advances to the second round of the US Open. On the new Louis Armstrong Stadium Murray, the 2012 champion and World No. 382, rallied past World No. 448 James Duckworth of Australia 6-7(7), 6-3, 7-5, 6-3.

Both men used protected rankings to enter, with Murray returning from right hip surgery and Duckworth recovered from five operations. The former World No. 1 outpointed his opponent on Monday afternoon 146-121 to prevail after three hours and 17 minutes.

“At times it was tricky especially early on, it was very lively, very hot. James was serving big and playing a lot of drop shots, throwing me off rhythm. I was happy I managed to get through that and play some good stuff at times,” said Murray, who is making his first appearance at a Grand Slam since last year’s Wimbledon.

“I’ve lost a lot of matches out here over the years, I’ve struggled a lot, but it’s like a new beginning. It was beautiful, a great atmosphere and I’m very, very happy to be back.

“The last 10 or 11 years of my life, I’ve dedicated all my training and off-seasons to perform well in [Grand Slams]. Missing them is hard, and coming back to them is great.”

Next up for Murray will be Fernando Verdasco, who emerged victorious from the all-Spanish battle with Feliciano López 6-2, 7-5, 6-4.