Andy Murray won his first match in almost a year as he cruised past Stan Wawrinka 6-1 6-3 to set up a second round match with Kyle Edmund in Eastbourne.
The Brit produced a vintage performance as he made a rapid start to proceedings in this blockbuster match. The last time the duo met was in the Roland Garros semi-finals last year, where Wawrinka edged to victory in five sets, however this time it was a first round match in a 250 event and Murray was fired up. The former world number one secured two breaks in a row at the end of the set to draw first blood and seal the opening stanza in 30 minutes.
The 31 year old had shown signs that he was back to his best especially using his run around forehand to good effect passing Wawrinka at the net. The former Roland Garros champion did produce a few moments of brilliance to trouble Murray’s physicality especially on the backhand side.
However it was the Scot’s day as he continued to impress with some stunning backhands. The former Wimbledon champion fended off some Wawrinka pressure and broke for a second time in the eighth game to seal his first win since Wimbledon last year.
It was a spectacular performance from Murray, who is returning to tennis with no expectations and will be relieved with gaining a win over such quality opposition. The win for Murray means he will face fellow Brit and second seed Kyle Edmund in round two, in a match that should further test the Brit’s physicality as he prepares for Wimbledon.
