AEGON Championships: Andy Murray Begins Wimbledon Preparations by Beating Paul-Henri Mathieu
Andy Murray's coaching relationship with Amelie Mauresmo began in winning fashion as the British No.1 opened his preparations ahead of the defence of his Wimbledon crown with a straight sets victory over Paul Henri-Mathieu at Queen's.
In the first match since appointing Mauresmo as his new coach for the grass-court season, Murray prevailed 6-4 6-4 to breeze into the third round of the AEGON Championship where the world No.5 is looking to land a fourth career title.
Murray broke his French opponent in the opening game of the match but despite being pegged back, took the opening set in routine fashion.
Though there were few immediate signs of Murray and Mauresmo's partnership, the Scot – who reached the semi-final of the French Open at Roland Garros last week – continued to show signs of his improving fitness since undergoing back surgery last September.
Mathieu produced a more solid service performance in the second set but his resolve was broken in the eighth game, allowing Murray to serve out the match to set up a third round meeting with Radek Stepanek while the likes of Thomas Berdych, Stanislas Wawrinka and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga await in the latter stages.
"Obviously I enjoy coming back here. It's the place I got my first win on the tour so I have great memories," Murray said.
"I'll go and speak to her [Amelie] and see what she is thinking. I served really well, Paul played a good match and it was a good start to the grass season."
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