Andy Murray beats Corentin Moutet to reach US Open second round

It seems quite fitting that Andy Murray’s 200th singles victory at a grand-slam tournament was not short of drama. In keeping with the rest of them, this first-round win at the US Open made for enthralling viewing despite ending in a straight-sets scoreline.

Murray’s feisty French opponent was responsible for most of it. Corentin Moutet, the world No 72, tried his best to distract by throwing in underarm serves, racket smashes and complaints about a lack of pickle juice. Ultimately it was all in vain as the esteemed veteran from Great Britain maintained his focus to prevail 6-2, 7-5, 6-3 in two hours and 58 minutes.

There was even a shambolic VAR attempt to overcome in the latter stages. US Open organisers had made much