His first round opponent was Frances Tiafoe and it was a winning return for the two-time Western & Southern Open champion winning hard fought 7-6, 3-6, 6-1 in the end to set up a clash with Alexander Zverev next.

He saved a set point in the first tie-break before losing the second set; after seemingly being in a winning position which as a result shifted momentum over to Tiafoe. But it was Murray who rose to the occasion easing through the final set 6-1 to claim the tie in just under two and a half hours.

The differences in the tie were always break points; with Tiafoe managing in the first two sets to carve out these chances; but it was only in the second set he took it but Murray himself raced into two service breaks in the final set going 4-1 up.

From there, the American had no resistance to the Brit who will now have Sunday to recover ahead of a tie against the World No.7; who he owns a 1-0 H2H record against albeit back at the 2016 Australian Open.

Other victors on Saturday evening included a new-look Milos Raonic who has been growing out his hair during lockdown admitting afterwards he hasn't cut it since the Australian Open - 7 months ago.

It seemed to be a good omen for him though as he smashed in 19 aces and 87 percent of his first serve points in easing past fellow big server Sam Querrey 6-4, 6-4.

Speaking of big servers, Denis Shapovalov his compatriot also came through 6-3, 6-3 against 2016 champion Marin Cilic. This was in fact back-to-back wins over Cilic; with his last tournament being in Marseille where he claimed victory.

This serve dominance showed with him striking nine aces and 60 per cent of his second serve points compared to 29 per cent for Cilic; with the latter unable to garner a rhythm in the end. Next up will be Jan-Lennard Struff; who accounted for Alex de Minaur in one of the most impressive early wins on Saturday.

https://twitter.com/the_LTA/status/1297279753108561920?s=20