OMNISPORT

A sluggish Andy Murray survived a huge scare at the US Open, coming from two-sets-to-love down to beat Adrian Mannarino.

The British third seed edged to a 5-7 4-6 6-1 6-3 6-1 win on Arthur Ashe Stadium after appearing on the brink of a shock second-round exit on Thursday.

Murray, a two-time grand slam champion, lacked energy early in the match on a warm New York day.

Fresh from winning a tough first-round match against Nick Kyrgios, that came as a surprise.

Mannarino capitalised early and the Frenchman was on track, only for his lead to wake Murray.

Visibly annoyed at stages, Murray lifted as Mannarino started to tire.

The class difference that was expected at the start of the match was eventually on show as Murray completed victory in three hours, 17 minutes.

Murray will face another left-hander in the third round, with Brazilian Thomaz Bellucci awaiting him.

Despite his supposed lack of energy, Murray appeared the more likely to win the first set against Mannarino.

But after the pair traded early breaks, Mannarino broke to 30 in the 11th game and recovered from 0-40 down to take the set.

From 4-4 in the second set, Mannarino won eight straight points to suddenly open up a two-sets-to-love lead.

Mannarino's level dropped from then on with a total of 30 unforced errors across the third and fourth sets.

He looked to be somewhat back on track with a tough hold to start the fourth, only to look tired as Murray broke for 2-1.

There was little concern for Murray after that, but it was expected Mannarino would kick-start his match in the fifth.

But he dragged a backhand cross-court wide in the second game to give Murray a break for 2-0 in the deciding set, one he would dominate.