Andy Murray has returned to the hard courts of the Citi Open for the first time since reaching the final 2006. The tournament will be Murray's first after his semifinal exit at the Wimbledon Championships.

Competing in his first hardcourt event after losing to Novak Djokovic 7-6 4-6 6-0 in the finale of the Miami Open in April, the Scot enters the Citi Open tournament with a strong mindset. Murray wants to have a successful run in his North American hard court swing.

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"I'm trying to do better in more events that I have done in the past," Murray told Tennis TV via  ATPWorldTour.com. "Hopefully, the next few weeks I can do well on the hard courts and finish the year strong."

The World No. 3 is working on his game as he bids for success at the US Open tuneup, Citi Open that began on Monday. He arrived in Washington on July 28, the earliest that he has arrived for any tournaments this season. Murray, who recently visited the White House ahead of his participation in the tournament, said that he wants to be able to get used to the courts because it has been four months since he last played on that surface. He added that he has been feeling in good shape after hitting his first balls during a practice session. 

Murray is the top seed while Japan's Kei Nishikori earned the second seed. As one of the seeded players, Murray received a bye into the second round of the Citi Open. He will play Teymuraz Gabashvili, who beat Benjamin Becker on Monday to book a place in the next round 4-6 6-1 6-3. 

The 28-year-old Briton has played Gabashvili only once before and it took place on the hard courts of Shanghai in 2014. Murray beat World No. 53 Gabashvili in straight sets 6-1 7-5. For the second time in their career, the duo will meet on the hard courts of Citi Open. Murray is a favourite to extend his winning streak over Gabashvili after having won 14 of his last 15 matches played on hardcourt surface.

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