ANDY Murray (28) and Kenny De Schepper (28) put on a classy performance at the Hopman Cup last night with the former from Great Britain beating the Frenchman in two sets.
Murray, who admitted he struggled during practice in the days before the tournament, took the first set 6-2 but not without plenty of inspiring play from both ends of the court.
De Schepper consistently delivered 200km/h serves to Murray and despite the 6-2 6-2 scoreline, did not let the world number two win easy points.
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READ NOWMurray said he spent a lot of time on the Hopman Cup practice court before his first match to acclimatise.
“It’s important for me to get here early and get used to the warm weather,” he said.
“The first match back after a little break is the toughest one.
“I played well and was able to get to a lot of points and finish a lot at the net.”
Murray’s partner Heather Watson (23) did not get it so easy against Caroline Garcia (22) who beat her in three sets, 6-3 5-7 6-3.
Despite serving 10 aces, Watson lost the match in two hours and 17 minutes.
The live mixed doubles also went to the wire with Great Britain securing the tie 6-2 5-7 10-6.