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.”

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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.