Murray and his 16-year-old teammate reached the final of the eight-nation mixed teams tennis event in their debut a year ago, losing a title bid to Spain.
Italy’s French Open winner Francesca Schiavone took advantage of Robson, who has been feeling poorly for several days, earning a quick 7-5, 6-3 win in her first meeting with the world number 217. Murray managed to deal with draining humid conditions under the roof of the Burswood Dome as he levelled the tie through his defeat of Potito Starace 7-5, 6-1.The match-up will be decided by mixed doubles before France face the US in the day’s second confrontation. That tie will feature a re-run of the longest match in tennis history – last summer’s Wimbledon first round – as John Isner and Nicolas Mahut meet again.
The American won the marathon match 70-68 in the fifth set to set a record which is unlikely to ever be broken.
Murray, who only arrived at the weekend from his training base in Miami, said he was feeling the oppressive conditions in western Australia, where 40 Celsius temperatures have been common over since the start of the new year.
The Scot claimed the point for Britain in 78 minutes as number 45 Starace donated a double-fault to drop serve for 1-5 in the second set after losing the first. Murray seized the opportunity to close out the singles from the Italian’s unforced error.
“It was a tough match today,” said the winner. “It was so hot and humid. I was struggling with my breathing for the first four or five games. It will take a few more days to get used to these conditions.”
Murray said that memories on his team’s success in 2010 were still strong. “I played great here and also in Melbourne,” said last year’s Australian Open finalist against Roger Federer. “This is perfect preparation for the Open.
“It’s good to get a lot of point under your belt before the big one. The goal for me is to beat Federer and (Rafael) Nadal in the big events and try to win my first Grand Slam title,” said the two-time finalist at majors.
Robson had the chance to serve out the opening set against Schiavone after breaking the Italian who at age 30 is almost twice her own age.
But the young Brit who spent childhood time in Australia lost her chance, with the experienced Italian taking the set and sweeping the second. Robson was seen on the sideline by the doctor after the first set as she complained of feeling dizzy and was given some energy bars to see her through the match.
