MELBOURNE: Andy Murray said he would draw on the experience of his breakthrough US Open win in the later stages of big tournaments after a trouble-free start to his Australian Open campaign Tuesday.

In warming on-court temperatures on Rod Laver Arena, the third seed clinically disposed of Dutchman Robin Haase, 6-3, 6-1, 6-3 to progress safely to the second round.

Much has changed in Murray’s life since his career-transforming victory over world number one Novak Djokovic in last year’s US Open final, and he is among the favorites at the year’s opening major tournament.

Murray was authoritative in his first match in Melbourne, taking just 1hr 37min to take apart the erratic Haase with eight service breaks and making just 20 unforced errors in the 25 games.

Murray said he didn’t notice anything significantly different in his first Grand Slam match since his US Open triumph last September, but that it would steel him should he make the final rounds of the Australian Open.

“It didn’t feel much difference to me. I was still nervous before I went on to play the match,” Murray said.

Murray, 25, has twice been runner-up at the Australian Open. He is drawn to face 17-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer in the semifinals and possibly defending champion Djokovic in the final.