• ATP Tour

Murray through in straight sets

ESPN staff
February 22, 2010
Andy Murray was playing for the first time since the Australian Open © Getty Images
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Day one gallery

Andy Murray began his search for a 15th career title with a 6-2 6-3 victory over Russian world No. 111 Igor Kunitsyn in the first round of the Dubai Tennis Championships.

Murray, making his first appearance since his defeat in the final of Australian Open, is seeded second following the withdrawal of Roger Federer due to a lung infection. He did not always live up to that billing, however - particularly in the first set.

With Murray lethargic in his movements after picking up a slight injury while practising, he was unable to impart full power on his groundstrokes, provoking an over-reliance on his service game.

The world No. 4 dropped just four points on his first serve in the set, while he claimed two decisive breaks as Kunitsyn - clearly low on confidence, with only one win to his name in 2010 - struggled to make any impression during one of numerous baseline rallies.

Murray's formidable service form deserted him in the first game of the second as the Russian claimed his only break of the match. The setback was only a fleeting one, however, with the two-time Dubai quarter-finalist Murray - who sent down 12 aces in all - again claiming two breaks.

The 22-year-old will next face the winner of the match between Janko Tipsarevic and Andreas Seppi.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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