Andy Murray eases through first-round at Wimbledon

While Rafael Nadal was suffering his second shock exit at the All England Club in two years, Murray was doing just what he needed in a 6-4 6-3 6-2 victory that took an hour and 52 minutes.

Murray became a little sloppy after a fine start but once he had the first set in the bag he did not look back.

“I thought it was a good match and it was a good start for me.

“He played some solid tennis especially the first two sets and then the third set I started to play better,” Murray said.

“It was a tough start for me, he is a very good grass player. I was ready and to win in three sets was a good start.

“There’s always nerves at the start of a grand slam and I’m glad to get it out of the way and hopefully I can improve as it goes on.”

Playing his first match on Wimbledon’s Centre Court since the Olympic final, the British number one faced a player he beat in straight sets on his way to the title at Queen’s Club two weeks ago.

Murray has been talked up even more than usual following his glorious summer last year and Roger Federer, picked out the second seed as the player he sees as his biggest title threat.