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[Sir Panda]

Andy Murray avoided any sort of drama whatsoever, when he advanced comfortably past Lukas Lacko to the score of 6-3 6-2 6-2

The British number one turned in an impressive performance, in the sweltering afternoon heat to book a second round meeting with the Jamaican, Dustin Brown.

Lacko was somewhat of an unknown quantity coming into todays match, with these two having last played against each other in the juniors. However, Murray was sufficiently quick out of the blocks to build a lead, and he avoided any lapses in concentration to stay ahead. The extreme heat saw Victoria Azarenka pass out earlier in the day, and many could have expected a lethargic performance from Murray. It could not have been further from the truth, as the Scot quickly found his range and showed superior touch and feel around the court, as well as some explosive movement. After a quite frankly embarrassing overhead attempt which almost struck the back wall, Murray regained his composure quickly to capture set number one.

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Breaks were exchanged at the start of the second set. There was a palpable sense, that Lacko was starting to realise raw aggression was his best chance of hurting Murray. Even this gung-ho style of play wasn't yielding much success, and Murray broke once more to regain control of the match. The fourth seed was evidently not in top form, but was being clinical enough to ensure minimal court time. A blistering service hold was more than enough to get Murray to a two set advantage.

Lacko has never recovered from a two set deficit, and by the start of the third set, there was little self-belief flowing within the Slovak. Murray was in cruise control, and despite Lacko making some inroads, the Briton always looked comfortable and aggressive at the right moments to stave Lacko off. Murray broke serve to fifteen, and then held to ease through.

All in all, it was a pleasing match for the Murray camp, a match with plenty of different and lengthy rallies, allowing Murray to fine-tune certain components of his game, without expending too much energy, in temperatures pushing over one hundred degrees.

Another positive piece of news reached Murray in the form of Tomas Berdych crashing to defeat, in straight sets. The Czech has had a superb 2010 season, and looked likely to be a potential opponent in the quarter-finals, but was not able to overcome the tricky Michael Llodra.

[Clydey]

Good job, big man.

[Clydey]

I was going to include a pun in the headline, but that would be comparable to the scummy tabloids, and this website is a lot better than that.

We're keeping it real, as the negroes sometimes say.

[Geo]

A very easy opener, within 2 hours, job done. 

With Berdych out, a semi final place looks a lot easier to get than it did last year at the USO. 

[psychological tennis]

Does what it says on the tin so to speak, efficient, compact and measured performance. Good report. Now for round Two!!!

[Ruthie]

Liked the report.  Apart from Federer,  I think Andy has come through the first round the most easily of the top seeds .  Even Rafa took 3 hours even though straight sets (tho didn't see that match).  Good that he conserved his energy.  Perhaps he'll even get a night match some time  or is that whistling in the dark?
Btw did anyone hear Mark P say something about Andy having a slight wrist problem.? I didn't catch it properly but I think he said there was some weakness which was ok once he'd warmed up.  We don't want a repeat of last year's USO.

[Aileen]

Btw did anyone hear Mark P say something about Andy having a slight wrist problem.? I didn't catch it properly but I think he said there was some weakness which was ok once he'd warmed up.  We don't want a repeat of last year's USO.

Oh help - that'd be all he needs!  Unfortunately I don't know as what I was watching was being streamed from Eurosport.  However, if the problem improves once he's warmed up then it doesn't sound like last year's tendinitis.  If it's his right wrist, it could maybe be some slight residual damage left over from the serious injury he had in 2007.  Anyway, fingers crossed ...

[janscribe]

Excellent report and a good start for Andy.