DUBAI, March 3: Andy Murray of Britain beat world No.1 Roger Federer 6-7 (6/8), 6-3, 6-4 in the first round of the ATP Dubai Open on Monday.

It was a second straight loss for the Swiss star following his Australian Open semi-final defeat to eventual winner Novak Djokovic in Melbourne in January.

It was also the first time he had lost in the first round of a tournament since the summer of 2004.

And it was the second straight win for Murray over Federer having defeated him in straight sets in the Cincinnati Masters the last time they played in late 2006.—AFP