Tennis: Murray dominates Young in Davis Cup opener

Andy Murray of Great Britain plays a backhand against Donald Young of the United States during day one of the Davis Cup World Group first round between the US and Great Britain at PETCO Park on Jan 31, 2014 in San Diego, California. Murray breezed pa
Andy Murray of Great Britain plays a backhand against Donald Young of the United States during day one of the Davis Cup World Group first round between the US and Great Britain at PETCO Park on Jan 31, 2014 in San Diego, California. Murray breezed past Donald Young in straight sets as Great Britain took an early lead in their Davis Cup World Group opener against the United States (US) on Friday. -- PHOTO: AFP

SAN DIEGO (AFP) - Andy Murray breezed past Donald Young in straight sets as Great Britain took an early lead in their Davis Cup World Group opener against the United States (US) on Friday.

The reigning Wimbledon champion Murray needed just 98 minutes to easily dispatch world number 79 Young 6-1, 6-2, 6-3 on the clay court surface at Petco Park stadium, home of Major League Baseball's San Diego Padres.

Murray, who blasted seven aces, closed out the rubber with a backhand return down the line that Young had no chance on.

"I managed to come up with some good shots when I needed them," said world number six Murray. "I hope we keep enjoying the weekend. It has been a good start."

Young, who is competing in his first career Davis Cup, was a late replacement for injured world number 13 John Isner.

Murray is still recovering from back surgery he underwent in September. At times on Friday, he appeared to grimace after hitting shots, including one backhand into the net in the seventh game of the third set.

Scotsman Murray is scheduled to play in Saturday's doubles with teammate Colin Fleming against the Bob and Mike Bryan. But he said Friday that he wasn't fully committed to playing doubles.

"We will see. We have options in the doubles," Murray said. "I play doubles sometimes and I have missed the doubles.

"It is a big challenge for whoever is on the court," he added of a match that will be played against the US team of Bob and Mike Bryan. "But maybe I will be out there who knows."

If Murray doesn't play doubles he could be replaced by Dominic Inglot.

Later on Friday, American Sam Querrey squared off against world No. 175 James Ward in the second singles rubber.

This was the first meeting since 2011 between Young and Murray, who has now won three of four head-to-head matches.

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