Murray edges past inconsistent Kyrgios
As expected, controversial Australian Nick Kyrgios went down to Andy Murray in the US Open first round.
Andy Murray overcame the unpredictable Nick Kyrgios in four sets in the US Open first round on Tuesday.
In the pick of first-round matches at Flushing Meadows, the British third seed completed a 7-5 6-3 4-6 6-1 victory over an erratic Kyrgios.
Murray sent down 18 aces despite serving at just 58 per cent, with his final winners (46) and unforced errors (23) ratio impressive.
But there were times when Murray just allowed Kyrgios to unravel.
Kyrgios was his usual self, mixing the brilliant and entertaining with the unnecessary and bewildering on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The controversial Australian 20-year-old's unusual on-court behaviour continued, with first-set complaints about movement in the arena and slouching during changes of ends.
While Murray also struggled to take his chances, Kyrgios was left to rue – often due to his own shot selection – missed opportunities.
Kyrgios converted just three of 14 break points, while Murray was seven of 15.
Murray, whose first of two grand slams came at the US Open in 2012, started slowly and found himself a break down in the third game when he sent a backhand long.
Kyrgios handed it back with a wild, long forehand before having to save a set point in the 10th game, producing a deft drop-shot winner.
But there would be no recovery in the 12th game as Murray broke to take the opening set.
Murray was tested again early in the second set, but he would battle for a hold in the fifth game before breaking for 4-2.
Kyrgios had four break points in the seventh game, yet the set was gone when he squandered those opportunities.
Just like in the first set, Kyrgios broke – and handed that advantage straight back – early in the third.
It was Murray who would prove to be his own worst enemy in the third as a sloppy 10th game, completed with a double fault and forehand into the net, handed Kyrgios the set.
Kyrgios' concentration slipped to open the fourth set and he was broken to love after an attempted drop shot went wide.
Murray took a 4-1 lead after a Kyrgios double fault handed him a double break and the victory was complete when the latter sent a forehand long.