BIRMINGHAM, England — Playing his first match since becoming a father, Andy Murray beat Taro Daniel 6-1, 6-3, 6-1 to give Davis Cup champion Britain a 1-0 lead against Japan in the opening round of its title defense on Friday.
Murray displayed some rustiness in his first competitive action in nearly five weeks, but was an easy winner against the 87th-ranked Daniel on an indoor court in Birmingham.
"The second and third sets were tough," Murray said. "I haven't played for a long time. I was a little bit out of breath."
Kei Nishikori, Japan's top player, will look to square the tie against 157th-ranked Dan Evans in the second singles on Friday.