US Open digest: Murray and Nadal through, Halep out

Former world No 1 Andy Murray is through to the US Open second round after victory in his Grand Slam tennis comeback.

The 31-year-old Scot, who last played in a Slam 14 months ago, beat Australia’s James Duckworth 6-7 (5-7) 6-3 7-5 6-3 in the first round at Flushing Meadows. He will play Spain’s Fernando Verdasco in the second round.

Speaking to the BBC, Murray said: “I was pumped to be back playing in a Slam again. At points in the match I didn’t play amazing. I’m not expecting to play my best tennis right now. But I’m happy to get through the match.” 

There were mixed fortunes for Britain’s other main hopes in the men’s singles. World No.16 Kyle Edmund lost 4-6 6-4 7-5 6-1 to Italy’s Paolo Lorenzi, but Cameron Norrie beat Australia’s Jordan Thompson 7-5 4-6 6-4 6-3.

Defending champion Rafael Nadal is also through to the second round after fellow Spaniard David Ferrer was forced to retired due to injury.

World No.1 Halep is out

There was a major shock in the women’s singles first round after world No.1 Simona Halep was sent crashing out 6-2 6-4 by Kaia Kanepi.

Six-time winner Serena Williams is safely through to the second round after a 6-4 6-0 win against Poland’s Magda Linette.

Britain’s Heather Watson lost 6-1 3-6 6-3 to Ekaterina Makarova – her eighth first-round loss in a row.