Andy Murray kicked off the new season with a victory, but he and partner Laura Robson lost their opening Hopman Cup tie in Perth.

18840 - Andy Murray and laura Robson fall to Italy

Murray levelled the scores after Robson was beaten by French Open champion Francesca Schiavone, but the second seeeds were narrowly beaten in the doubles.

Robson struggled with dizziness and earache in the humid conditions of the Burswood Dome, but battled hard against world No. 7 Schiavone, who claimed a 7-5 6-3 victory. Murray kept Britain in the tie with a 7-5 6-1 win over Potito Starace, but admitted he had struggled with the conditions.

"It was a tough match today - it's so hot, so humid in here I was struggling a little bit with my breathing," Murray said "I didn't feel very fit today, I was breathing so hard after four or five games, so hopefully that will improve over the next couple of weeks."

With the result in the balance, the Italians clinched the victory 10-2 on a champions' tiebreak after a gruelling three-setter 6-7 (1) 7-6 (6) 7-6 (2).

Murray and Robson will now need to beat France on Wednesday if they are to keep their hopes of reaching the final alive, while fourth seeds Schiavone and Starace will face USA.