MARVELLOUS MURRAY FINDS FEET ON CLAY
aNdY MURRaY’S clay U-turn was looking a smart decision last night when he defeated former french Open finalist dominic Thiem. The 34-year-old Scot became the fifth Brit out of five to win their opener at the Madrid Open when he beat the austrian 6-3, 6-4. Murray only decided to venture on to the clay following a training block with Ivan lendl in florida, after which he could not find a suitable hard-court event to play. Given a wildcard into Madrid, he took advantage of what is a less fearsome draw than it was two years ago. Thiem has suffered wrist problems and his forehand is not what it used to be. despite that, Murray could be rightly pleased with his movement and used the drop shot expertly. He plays denis Shapovalov or Ugo Humbert next. ‘I played well,’ said Murray. ‘I thought dominic was playing well at times but he has just started playing again so is making a few more mistakes.’ Cam Norrie, who has been fighting a heavy cold, also made the second round when he beat Korea’s Kwon Soon-woo 7-5, 7-5. He now faces John Isner.