TORONTO — Britain’s Andy Murray started his journey for a fourth National Bank Open title by defeating Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego in two sets, winning 7-6 (3), 6-0 on Tuesday.
Murray, who secured titles in 2009, 2010 and 2015, saved two set points and clinched the first set against Sonego in a 90-minute battle. The three-time Grand Slam champion then swiftly dominated the second set against the Italian.
Murray is set to face the winner of Tuesday evening’s match between Montreal’s Felix Auger-Aliassime, the 10th seed, and Australia’s Max Purcell.
Auger-Aliassime has never won the National Bank Open and has previously spoken about his desire to win in front of Canadian fans.
Canadian player Gabriel Diallo is also slated to compete Tuesday, taking on Great Britain’s Daniel Evans, who reached the semifinals of the tournament in Montreal last year.
Earlier in the day, American Sebastian Korda easily dispatched Argentina’s Tomas Martin Etcheverry 6-3, 6-2.