Andy Murray was relieved to have got through his opening grand slam match of the year after doing a “pretty good job” on Robin Haase at the Australian Open.
Haase represented a potentially tricky first assignment for the world number three but the Dutchman was never allowed to get into his stride as Murray dominated in a 6-3 6-1 6-3 victory.
It was as good a first-round performance as Murray has delivered in recent years and he was pleased with how he coped in the oppressive heat on Rod Laver Arena.
“It was a good start,” he said. “It was very different conditions to what it’s been like the last four, five days. The court was playing different, much livelier.
“But I thought I did a pretty good job from the start - dictating the points and not giving him too many freebies.”
It was Murray’s first grand slam match since he claimed his maiden major at the US Open last year - but he claimed he was still nervous beforehand.
“I don’t think there is anyone who doesn’t (get nervous),” he said.
“Nerves are a good thing. If you aren’t nervous, it shows that you’re really not that bothered.
“I started the year well in Brisbane but coming into the slams the first match is normally pretty tough.
“You just have to focus and play solid, not make too many silly mistakes.
“I did a good job of that today.
“It is always nice to get through the first round of any tournament but especially here.”
In truth there was never any danger of Haase causing an upset.
Murray trailed the world number 53 by two sets before coming through their second-round encounter at the 2011 US Open and the memory of that scare may have been behind the Scotsman’s fast start.
Next up is a clash with world number 100 Joao Sousa after the Portuguese beat Australian wildcard John-Patrick Smith in straight sets.
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