Andy Murray made a winning return to action as he beat British No. 1 Dan Evans in straight sets on the indoor hard courts at the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton.

Murray, the three-time Grand Slam champion from Dunblane, proved too strong for world No. 32 Evans in a 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 win in two hours and 32 minutes, in what was an encouraging performance ahead of the 2021 season.

Seven of Britain’s top-eight men are involved in the third edition of Jamie Murray’s ‘Battle of the Brits’ exhibitions – this version is dubbed “Premier League of Tennis” – which is designed to give the British contingent, both male and female, the opportunity to get some competitive match play under their belts ahead of the new season.

With national bragging rights up for grabs in Tier 4 London, it was a competitive affair and should serve Murray well as he continues his preparations for the Australian Open. Murray, playing for the first time since ending his season prematurely after defeat to Fernando Verdasco in Cologne in October, will play twice this week. He faces British No. 3 Cameron Norrie on Tuesday.

It’s been far from his best season. He won just three of his seven tour-level matches but there were signs that he is physically stronger heading into 2021.

Evans, who beat Murray in the first edition of Battle of the Brits in the summer, chalked up seven top-20 wins in 2020 but wasted several opportunities in the opening set before falling down to the world No. 122. As was the case in their first Battle of the Brits meeting in June, it was Murray who clinched the first set.

Evans was understandably frustrated to lose it – he missed six break point opportunities – and hit the ball at the roof of the National Tennis Centre in frustration as Murray won the tiebreak to move a set in front after an hour and 24 minutes.