Murray safely into second round of the Australian Open

Sixth seed Andy Murray overcame some frustrating moments in the third set to advance to the second round of the Australian Open with a 6-3 6-4 7-6(3) victory over India's Yuki Bhambri.

The 27-year-old Briton had looked comfortable in the first two sets against the qualifier, though he did jar his right knee in the first game of the second set and was flexing it throughout.

Bhambri, who is ranked 317th in the world and was making his grand slam main draw debut, had taken a 4-1 lead in the third set with Murray chastising himself for his poor court movement before he stormed back.

The 2012 US Open and 2013 Wimbledon champion will now face Marinko Matosevic in the next round after the Australian came through a tough five-set victory over Russian qualifier Alexander Kudryavtsev.

Rafa Nadal enjoyed a welcome dose of confidence in dismantling Russian veteran Mikhail Youzhny 6-3 6-2 6-2 to reach the second round of the Australian Open on Monday.

Undercooked and on the comeback trail after a long lay-off from injury and illness, the third-seeded Spaniard needed only a handful of games at Rod Laver Arena before clicking into grand slam gear against the 32-year-old former top 10 player.

Dashing around the court and slashing winners to all corners, Nadal sealed the match in less than two hours with a cross-court volley, gritting his teeth and pumping his fists in celebration.

Nadal, beaten finalist against Stan Wawrinka last year, will next play either Australian Luke Saville or American Tim Smyczek.