DOHA, Qatar — Defending champion Andy Murray defeated Albert Montanes 6-2, 6-4 Tuesday to advance to the second round of the Qatar Open.

In his first ATP Tour match of the year, Murray dominated his Spanish opponent from the baseline and broke Montanes' serve in the third and fifth games to take the opening set in 40 minutes.

Montanes struggled with his accuracy throughout the match, committing 34 unforced errors as Murray used two more breaks in the second to set up a meeting with Philip Petzschner of Germany in the next round.

Top-ranked Rafael Nadal played Fabrice Santoro of France later Tuesday, while No. 2 Roger Federer played Potito Starace of Italy.