US Open Men’s round one: Murray starts against controversial Kyrgios

Andy Murray (7/2 second-favourite) begins his US Open campaign in search of a second title here, after his success in 2012, against the most talked-about tennis player on tour right now in Nick Kyrgios.

However, all the press regarding the Aussie has been in a negative way, after the youngster attempted a mid-match sledge aimed at Stan Wawrinka and involving two other professionals in the process.

Despite Kyrgios’ (11/2 to cause a shock) recent controversies, he still represents a tough first round test for Murray (1/10 odds-on favourite), having reached two Grand Slam quarter-finals already as a teenager. The Scot is 11/4 to triumph 3-1, though.

Murray is not the only one to face a tricky opener, though, as double US Open champion Rafael Nadal (1/7 for victory) will have to duel with Croatian wonderkid Borna Coric (4/1).

The 14-time Grand Slam winning Spaniard has not had an enjoyable season, going out early in the second round at Wimbledon, and could be up against it here too.

World number one and recent Wimbledon winner Novak Djokovic, meanwhile, opens up against Brazilian Joao Souza, and is so heavily odds-on at 1/200 that it’s practically assured he’ll get through with ease. The top seed Serb’s price of 11/10 to win his second Flushing Meadows trophy is far more enticing.

As for five-time US Open champion Roger Federer (4/1 title chance), who keeps showing that age is just a number after a brilliant lead up to this event, he meets Leonardo Mayer up first, and is heavily odds-on at 1/50 to beat him.