Andy Murray downs Evans in Battle of the Brits exhibition opener ahead of Australian Open next year

ByEnis Koylu

Published 20/12/2020 at 17:33 GMT

Andy Murray has returned to action for the first time since his 2020 season ended against Fernando Verdasco, beating British No 1 Dan Evans in straight sets in the Battle of the Brits exhibition tournament organised by the LTA and his brother Jamie ahead of the Australian Open. Elsewhere, there were wins for Heather Watson and Liam Broady.

Andy Murray has kicked off his preparations for the Australian Open with a hard-fought win over Dan Evans in the Battle of the Brits exhibition tournament.

The LTA, along with Murray's brother Jamie, organised the tournament to help the British cohort ahead of 2021's first Grand Slam, with an enforced coronavirus quarantine Down Under.

It is the third Battle of the Brits this year, following tournaments in the summer ahead of the US Open and Roland Garros following the Covid-19 hiatus of professional sports.

Tennis

Murray will not have surgery on ankle injury, return date unknown

15/04/2024 at 20:14

• Federer, Nadal expected to appear in delayed Australian Open
• Australian Open pushed back to February 8 start, ATP announce
• Andy Murray set to play in third Battle of the Brits

Murray was the headline act on day one, ousting Evans, the world No 31 and British No 1 in two tight sets, 7-6(5), 7-5.

Elsewhere, Heather Watson was victorious, defeating Katy Dunne 6-2, 6-3, James Ward suffered a surprise 6-3, 7-6(3) defeat against Anton Matusevich and Beth Grey defeated Freya Christie 3-6, 6-2, 10-7.

There were contrasting fortunes for the Broady siblings, with Naomi losing 3-6, 7-5, 10-3 to Alicia Barnett and Liam beating Jack Draper 7-5, 6-4.

The victory ends a three-match losing streak for Murray stretching back to September, when he lost to Felix Auger-Aliassime in the US Open second round.

He suffered an even earlier exit at Roland Garros, being outplayed in straight sets by Stan Wawrinka before his 2020 season came to an end with a first-round loss to Fernando Verdasco in Cologne.

Tennis Legends: Why hasn't Rafael Nadal won the ATP Finals?

Tennis

‘Unbelievable fighter’ Murray can ‘go out on top’ at Olympics - Wilander

05/04/2024 at 13:00

ATP Monte Carlo

When is the Monte Carlo Masters? Are Djokovic and Nadal playing?

03/04/2024 at 09:07

ATP Monte Carlo

Murray confirms Monte-Carlo and Munich absence with ankle injury

29/03/2024 at 15:41