Murray eases through

Murray, whose only previous meeting with Stepanek resulted in a straight-sets victory for the Scot at Wimbledon two years ago, defeated the Czech 6-4 6-1 in just over an hour.

The British number one had the chance to break in Stepanek's first service game of the match, but Murray could not capitalise on a 40-0 advantage as his 28-year-old opponent managed to save serve.

Murray made no mistake in the 10th game, though, breaking world number 30 Stepanek with ease to deservedly take the first set.

The second set was all one-way traffic, with Murray winning the first five games en route to a comfortable 6-1 success.

Next up for Murray in the second round is Argentinean Juan Ignacio Chela, the 15th seed who received a bye in the opening round.

Should Murray get through that match, then his likely opponent in the third round is second seed Rafael Nadal.

Meanwhile former Australian Open finalist Marcos Baghdatis advanced following a tough three-setter against Andrei Pavel.

The Cypriot eventually prevailed 6-3 4-6 6-1 to set up a second-round meeting with Nadal.

Spain's Feliciano Lopez delighted the home crowd by cruising past the challenge of Italy's Filippo Volandri 6-3 6-2.