The world number one kicked off his 2017 campaign at Melbourne Park on Monday against his Ukrainian opponent, who is ranked 94 places lower than him in the ATP standings. Murray, who is a five-time runner-up at the slam Down Under, was made to work hard for victory at the opening stage and the frustrations were clear to see throughout the contest.
However, the reigning Olympic and Wimbledon champion proved to have too much in the end and he recorded a 7-5 7-6 (7-5) 6-2 win to move into round two for the ninth straight year. The Glaswegian is remaining optimistic about his chances of winning the first Grand Slam of the season and insists he will fight hard until this dream is achieved. "
I have had a lot of tough losses here, for sure. But I love it here. I love playing here," Murray said. "I played some of my best tennis on hard courts here. Played some great matches as well, but just haven't managed to win the final. "
But I keep coming back to try. Yeah, I'll keep doing that until I'm done. I still feel like I got a few years left to try and do it. Yeah, hopefully it will be this year."
It was also good news for Murray's fellow Briton Dan Evans on day one as the world number 51 managed to defeat Argentine Facundo Bagnis in straight sets, winning 7-6 6-3 6-1. The 26-year-old from Birmingham will now take on 2014 US Open champion Marin Cilic in the next round after the Croatian came from two sets down to beat Poland's Jerzy Janowicz. One Briton has already fallen on the opening day with Aljaz Bedene losing 7-6 7-5 0-6 6-3 to 36-year-old Dominican Victor Estrella Burgos.
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