LONDON (AP) – Andy Murray came onto Centre Court to a standing ovation and walked off to another as he began his Wimbledon title defense Monday with a straight-set victory against David Goffin.
In keeping with tradition, Murray had the honor of playing the opening match on Centre Court as the defending men’s champion – and he looked right at home in beating the 105th-ranked Belgian 6-1, 6-4, 7-5.
Murray broke Goffin four times, saved the only two break points against him and sealed the contest with an ace, his eighth of the match. It was Murray’s 450th tour-level match win.
Last year, Murray became the first British man to win Wimbledon in 77 years. Now he’s bidding to become the first to retain the title since Fred Perry in 1936.
Murray received a huge ovation when he strode onto the court where he beat Novak Djokovic in last year’s final, soaking in the applause and giving a wave to the crowd – including those fans who queued up for tickets overnight for the rare chance to see a reigning British champion.