Andy Murray safely through round one – and Dustin Brown is next
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After a trying season so far, there were more concerns than usual ahead of Andy Murray’s first round match at Wimbledon – but they proved unfounded.
The Scot calmly saw off Alexander Bublik 6-1 6-4 6-2 in what was a perfect opening contest for the two-time SW19 champion.
Next up is Germany’s Dustin Brown, the man who famously defeated Rafael Nadal in South-West London two summers ago.
Brown’s acrobatic style could certainly trouble the world number one.
The pair’s only previous meeting came seven years ago at the US Open with Murray prevailing in straight sets.
Anything but another than a Murray win would be a big surprise.
And his path to the latter stages opened up today too, after Nick Kyrgios withdrew from injury.
The Australian had been on course to put up a tricky fourth-round fight.
There’s little else for Murray to fear in his draw, although he may have one eye on Jerzy Janowicz.
The Polishman is one of only two players in Murray’s section who have beaten him before.
Plus, the 6ft 8in hitter pushed the Scot hard during their Wimbledon Semi-Final battle in 2013.
But for now Murray is safely through and will be focussing on how to counteract the unorthodox yet entertaining Brown.
Murray remains 6/1 to win a third Wimbledon this summer, and he is the outside choice of the so-called big four.
But he’s up and running and another performance or two like his first round showing will quickly see those odds shorten.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
