Tuesday at the US Open

Andy Murray starts his challenge for the US Open title against controversial Australian Nick Kyrgios on Tuesday night.

The British No 1 has been handed a difficult opening clash against Kyrgios at around midnight in the Arthur Ashe Stadium, live on Sky Sports.

In recent weeks, Kyrgios has been at the centre of an unseemly row after he made lurid remarks about Stan Wawrinka's girlfriend during a match at last month's Montreal Masters.

The 20-year-old will be under the spotlight again on Tuesday evening when he takes on Murray, the 2012 champion, who has won all three of their previous encounters.

But the Scot expects Kyrgios to raise his game as he attempts to rebuild his damaged reputation.

Obviously it was a tough last few weeks for him (Kyrgios), but he is one of the most exciting young players in the game. He plays his best tennis on the big stages.

"It is an extremely tough match," Murray told Sky Sports. "He has just missed out on a seeding.

"Obviously it was a tough last few weeks for him, but he is one of the most exciting young players in the game. He plays his best tennis on the big stages.

"In all of the Slams he has competed in, he has caused some upsets and had some good runs even when he has been struggling outside of the Slams."

Ward's form has dipped since he reached the third round at Wimbledon, but he can stay on course for a possible third round clash with Muray if he beats the Brazilian.

The Swiss star, who defeated Novak Djokovic in the recent Cincinnati Masters final, is hoping to end his barren run without a Grand Slam title which stretches back to Wimbledon 2012.

Fellow seeds Stan Wawrinka, Tomas Berdych and Richard Gasquet are all on court, while British No 2 Aljaz Bedene faces a tough opener against Ernests Gulbis during a busy schedule in New York.

In the women's draw, Brit duo Laura Robson and Johanna Konta are both trying to secure places in the second round.

Robson, fit-again after injury, takes on Elena Vesnina and Konta has been pitted against American wild card Louisa Chirico.

Konta should head into the match with plenty of confidence after a run of 13 straight wins, including three in qualifying for the competition.

Second seed Simona Halep, who has never ventured past the fourth round, starts against Marina Erakovic.

Last year's finalist Caroline Wozniacki, Simona Halep and Petra Kvitova are also part of a packed women's line-up.