Murray aims for Oz improvement

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The Scot, winner of the Qatar Open last week, slipped to his first defeat of 2008 as he went down 6-1 6-4 in his opening match of the eight-man round-robin event.

After the match the world number nine told his website, www.andymurray.com: "It was quite tough conditions - it's pretty windy out there. I feel all right, just a little bit overtired. I didn't feel too great on the court but after a couple more days of practising and getting used to the conditions and getting over the jet lag, I'll be feeling much better."

Murray was also caught out by a change to the schedule which saw his match played earlier than planned.

"We obviously got bumped by the match in front, so I didn't get off to the best start, but it was okay," he said.

The win marks a pleasant return to form for former Australian Open winner Safin, who has tumbled down the rankings after numerous injury problems in recent years. He is currently ranked 57.

There were also wins for American Andy Roddick, who beat Ivan Ljubicic 6-3 6-0, and Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis, who overcame Nikolay Davydenko 6-4 4-6 6-1.