Andy Murray has said that it feels "special" to be back at Flushing Meadows a year since winning his first Grand Slam title.
The Scot, who beat Novak Djokovic in last year's final, got the defence of his US Open crown underway against Michael Llodra on Arthur Ashe this morning, and took just 98 minute to seal a 6-2 6-4 6-3 victory.
"It was tough to concentrate because he is so unpredictable," Murray said in his post-match interview. "He hits through-the-legs shots, under-arm serves and backspin drop shots. He's capable of anything so you just have to concentrate.
"It's really special to be back here. Last year when I won I was in a bit of shock, It know it is late but it was great playing to a packed-out crowd. We had a long wait to get on and I tried to get off to a good start.
"I thought I moved well and played very solidly, with very few unforced errors. That's important. You want to build into the tournament. I hit winners and passed well - I'll try to take that into my next match. I'll get back, rest and sleep. There are a long few days ahead for me, so I need to recover as best I can."
Murray will play Leonardo Mayer in the second round in New York.
Michael Penkman
