Andy Murray defeats Go Soeda in the first round

British No.1 Andy Murray has defeated Go Soeda in the opening round of the Australian Open, despite scorching temperatures.

Despite the heat exceeding 40C in Melbourne, the Wimbledon champion took just 87 minutes to advance to the second round with a 6-1 6-3 victory.

This was the third match Murray had played since returning from a back surgery, he'll play France's Vincent Millot in round two on Thursday.

The scorching temperatures were forecast and it was thought the tournaments 'extreme heat policy' would be put in place before the world no.4 took to the Hisense Arena, which has a retractable roof and air conditioning.

"You're obviously a bit nervous and apprehensive about it," said Murray. "For a number of reasons I was nervous because this, for me, was a big test playing in these conditions.

"Obviously, when the shadow came across the court it cooled down a bit but the air is extremely warm. It's not the easiest conditions I've played in. If you were playing on the outside courts in the sun, that would have been worse.

"Most of the players are conditioned well enough to last in that weather for that amount of time but doing it to three or four hours is tough to recover from."

Putting the weather conditions to one side, it was a relatively easy first round for Murray. Soeda, the world number 112, posed little threat after a solid opening service game and Murray took a grip on the match, breaking twice in the first set and hitting a series of winners.

Unlike the weather, Murray breezed through nine straight games, claiming a two set lead after just 49 minutes. 

The Brit took a decisive break in the third set at 3-3. In the closing stages of the match Murray hit a further series of winners and struck one huge forehand winner to break for the seventh time and booked his place in the second round.