Andy Murray vs Andrey Kuznetsov as it happened: World No 1 through to second round after battling past Russian

Top seed Andy Murray cleared a potentially tricky first round hurdle at the French Open on Tuesday, downing in-form Russian Andrey Kuznetsov 6-4 4-6 6-2 6-0.

After a regulation first set that he won in 45 minutes, the world number one lost his bearings midway through the second, dropping four games in a row to allow his 73rd-ranked opponent to square the match.

The Scot then moved through the gears and breezed the third and fourth sets with the loss of just two games.

Murray will play World No 53 Martin Klizan in the next round.

Where can I watch it?

If you’re in the UK, you have a choice. Both ITV4 and British Eurosport will be screening the action.

What’s the head to head record?

Murray has won both of their previous encounters. The first at the 2014 US Open in four sets, the second in Beijing last season, which Murray won 6-2 6-1.

What have they been saying?

Murray: “The past few months have not been good, obviously. I haven't played well. I had a few issues as well.

“I need to accept that I'm struggling and then find a way to get through it.

“I will get through it - I'm sure of that. When that happens, I don't know. Hopefully it happens in a few days. Hopefully it happens at this event. If it doesn't, maybe it happens during the grass.”

Kuznetsov: “If you maybe see the results he showed on clay, maybe it's not his best as he showed last year.

“A few guys like (Borna) Coric, for example, beat him in Madrid. It shows that it's possible to beat him. Also in the first rounds of the big tournaments, maybe they need some time to find rhythm and so on.

“Of course it will be important to start good. If it goes to a five-setter, there will be a few more chances for him to win because of the physical conditions.

“But if he starts a little bit nervy and shaky, and I start with confidence, maybe I can win one set and take a lead in the second.

“For me it's a good experience to play against a world number one. If I win, I will be a hero. If I lose, nobody will be surprised. [There is] nothing to lose for me.”

What are the odds?

Andy Murray to win: 2/11

Andrey Kuznetsov to win: 24/5

And who will the winner play in the next round?

Either the Czech Republic’s Martin Kližan or French wildcard Laurent Lokoli. Kližan — who reached the third round at Roland-Garros three years ago before losing to Marcel Granollers — is the more likely opponent.