Andy Murray eases through first round in Stuttgart

The former world No 1 recovered from a slow start to beat Australia’s Christopher O’Connell in straight sets

Murray recovered from a slow start to win in straight sets (Getty)

Andy Murray began his campaign at the Stuttgart Open with victory over Australia’s Christopher O’Connell.

The two-time Wimbledon champion lost in the semi-finals of the second-tier Challenger event in Surbiton last week and has headed to Germany to continue his grass-court season.

He lost the first three games to qualifier O’Connell but recovered strongly to claim a 6-4 6-3 victory and reach the second round.

Murray could have faced a quick rematch with Denis Kudla, the player he lost to in Surbiton, but the American fell in straight sets to seventh seed Alexander Bublik, 7-6 (3), 7-5.