Murray starts season with thumping victory

Perth - Murray, who led Britain to their first Davis Cup triumph in 79 years just over a month ago, took under an hour to seal victory at the mixed team event.

World number two Andy Murray was satisfied with the start to his season after romping past France's Kenny de Schepper 6-2 6-2 at the Hopman Cup in Perth, Australia on Monday.
Murray, who led Britain to their first Davis Cup triumph in 79 years just over a month ago, took under an hour to seal victory at the mixed team event.
"I played well," he told reporters. "Everything was working pretty good. I was able to finish a lot of the points up at the net.
"It's quite a quick surface here so if you can get the first strike in in the rallies it's quite easy to sort of stay on top of the point.
"I enjoy it here and that's why I keep coming back. I'll be back next year as well."
The Briton, who is using the event to tune up for this month's Australian Open, will next meet Australian number one Nick Kyrgios on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Murray said on Monday he is prepared to put family duties ahead of Grand Slam glory.
Speaking at the mixed teams Hopman Cup in Perth, where he is representing Great Britain, the dual Grand Slam winner said he would choose being at the birth of his child over playing in the Australian Open final.
Murray's wife, Kim Sears, is due to give birth next month.
"I'm going to fly home I think," he said when asked what he'd choose if that scenario unfolded.
"We spoke about it and chatted and obviously it'd be disappointing if I was to get in that position and not be able to play the final.
"But I'd be way more disappointed winning the Australian Open and not being at the birth of the child.
"Hopefully it doesn't come to that."
Murray said he was looking forward to becoming a father.
"It's going to be a big change but I am very excited about it," he said.
"I have got a few weeks of tennis here and then I'll take February off to spend time with Kim."
Murray is very close to his family, having teamed up with brother Jamie in Great Britain's drought-breaking Davis Cup win last year.
His mother, Great Britain Fed Cup coach Judy, is also in Perth this week.