Andy Murray makes winning start to Wimbledon title defence

Top seed begins quest for third Wimbledon title with straight sets win on Centre Court

By Raz Mirza at Wimbledon

Andy Murray dispatched Alexander Bublik in straight sets

Defending champion and world No 1 Andy Murray put injury concerns aside to open the defence of his Wimbledon title with victory over Alexander Bublik on Monday.

Murray's preparations have been far from ideal, losing his opening match at Queen's Club before having to miss training and pull out of two planned Wimbledon warm-up matches last week due to a hip problem.

He opened proceedings on Centre Court and following early signs of a lack of mobility with a pronounced limp between points, the Scot put his
problems behind him to dispatch Kazakhstan's lucky loser Bublik 6-1 6-4 6-2.

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Murray will continue his quest for a third Wimbledon title against Dustin Brown after the German completed a 3-6 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 6-4 victory over Joao Sousa.

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Bublik showed some flashy skills at times

Bublik, the world No 134, was making his grass-court debut, and made it into the main draw despite losing 12-10 in the final set to Daniel Brands of Germany in qualifying.
The 20-year-old, known for his unorthodox style of play, handed Murray an early break for a 3-1 lead following two double faults with the top seed sealing a double break with a swift forehand winner before serving out the set in 30 minutes.

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Murray put his recent hip problems behind him to progress

And he continued the momentum at the start of the next, before Bublik halted a run of seven games in a row. Murray was forced to save three break points in the ninth game before eventually serving out the set 6-4.

The top seed delivered another blow to Bublik at the start of the third before play was interrupted by light rain. When they did restart, Murray held serve for a 2-0 lead when a heavy shower forced the players off for the second time.