US Open digest: Andy Murray is out and Serena sets up Venus clash

Andy Murray’s Grand Slam comeback is over after losing in four sets to Fernando Verdasco in the US Open second round.

Making his return to top-level tennis after nearly a year out injured, the Brit was beaten 7-5 2-6 6-4 6-4 by the Spanish 31st seed in New York.

After the match Murray told the BBC: “It wasn’t the most comfortable I felt on a tennis court. I got through it and fought right to the end.

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“There were periods in the match where I played some really good stuff. But there were some where I didn’t - especially in the first set - and that was costly for me.”

Defending champion and world No.1 Rafael Nadal is through to the third round after a convincing 6-3 6-4 6-2 victory against Vasek Pospisil. Spaniard Nadal will face Karen Khachanov next.

It’s Serena vs. Venus in round three

The Williams sisters - Serena and Venus - will go head-to-head in the third round at Flushing Meadows.

In their second-round matches six-time US Open champion Serena beat Carina Witthoft 6-2 6-2 and two-time winner Venus won 6-4 7-5 against Camila Giorgi.

Speaking ahead of the sisters’ 30th career clash, Serena said: “We’d rather have met later.”

Venus added: “Obviously, it’s early in the tournament, so both of us are going to be looking forward to continuing to play better.”

In the women’s singles, defending champion Sloane Stephens is also through to the third round after her 4-6 7-5 6-2 victory against Anhelina Kalinina. Stephens will next play Victoria Azarenka.