Murray downs Harrison

Melbourne - British fourth seed Andy Murray bounced back from losing the opening set to oust American Ryan Harrison in four sets and reach the second round of the Australian Open on Tuesday.

Murray, twice a beaten finalist in Melbourne, defeated the 77th-ranked Harrison 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 in 3hr 12min on Hisense Arena.

The Scot recovered from his early setback to gain control and only lost nine games in the closing three sets to wrap up victory and a set up a second round meeting with Frenchman Edouard Roger-Vasselin.

Murray, who lost to Novak Djokovic in last year's Melbourne final, broke 19-year-old Harrison's serve five times and hit a total of 47 winners to the American's 39.

It was a safe start to the tournament for Murray, who lost in the first round at the Australian Open in 2006 and 2008.

Murray, now coached by tennis great Ivan Lendl, remained unbeaten in six matches this year after winning the Brisbane International earlier this month.

The 24-year-old is bidding to become Britain's first male major winner since Fred Perry in 1936.