
The British duo produced an impressive performance to knock out the second seeds 6-3 6-2 in one hour 15 minutes at Tokyo’s Ariake Tennis Park.
However, Heather Watson exited in the first round of the women’s singles, beaten by German Anna-Lena Friedsam.
Friedsam won 7-6 (7-5) 6-3 in one hour 49 minutes.
It definitely wasn’t my best tennis but I gave it my best with what I had, said Watson. it just wasn’t enough.
There were too many unforced errors that came and went in waves. I am just very disappointed with the outcome.
I did everything I could to prepare right and I literally could not have done any more. I felt really good going out there.
Jamie Murray and Neal Skupski also play on Saturday when take on Argentina’s Andres Molteni and Horacio Zeballos in the men’s doubles.