Murray tough start to title defence at Japan Open

In-form Andy Murray will defend the Japan Open starting on Monday fresh from winning his first Grand Slam at the US Open, but he faces a tricky encounter in the form of a resurgent Gael Monfils. The 25-year-old Murray, the top seed in Tokyo, enjoyed a double victory by beating Rafael Nadal of Spain in the final last year and then came back on court to add the doubles title with his brother Jamie. Since then he won his first Slam at Flushing Meadows earlier this month by beating defending champion Novak Djokovic in a thrilling four-hour, 53-minute final. Prior to that the Briton took gold at the London Games. But Monfils of France, represents a difficult start. The winner faces Albert Ramos of Spain or Lukas Lacko of Slovakia in the second round.