Andy Murray beats Nick Kyrgios at US Open

ANDY Murray defeated Australian Nick Kyrgios in four sets in the first round of the US Open at Flushing Meadows 7-5, 6-3, 4-6, 6-1.

Andy Murray returns a shot under the lights in New York. Picture: AP

Kyrgios tested the world number 3 in a first set that Murray eventually won 7-5. The Scot asserted his dominance for long periods, comfortably taking the second set 6-3 and the fourth set 6-1.

Australia’s enfant terrible struggled to maintain his composure in a match where he was often left dancing to the British number one’s tune.

Kyrgios bounced back, powering his way to the third set - the first time the Australian has taken a set off Murray - but it was the Scot who won the majority of the telling points. Murray has now beaten Kyrgios in each of their four meetings.

Kyrgios questions a call. Picture: Getty

The next hurdle in Murray’s pursuit of a second US Open title will be Frenchman Adrian Mannarino who came through his first round match against Konstantin Kravchuk.

Earlier in the day Britain’s Aljaz Bedene made it past the first round for the second consecutive grand slam after Latvia’s Gulbis withdrew with a wrist injury.

The British number two was leading 3-6 6-4 3-0 when his opponent pulled out and will now face American Donald Young, who beat 11th seed Gilles Simon in five sets.