HOW OUR ROCKY KO’D ITALIAN STALLION: TWISTS AND TURNS OF CRAZY CLASH
◾ PRE-MATCH: Moments before the players went on court, they were told it would be played indoors due to the extreme heat. That resulted in slightly slower conditions, which helped Murray.
◾ 1-0 1st SET: Murray hits a backhand pass to break early, and he takes first set 6-3.
◾ 1-0 2nd SET: Similar story as two unforced errors from Berrettini see Murray break for 2-0. He wins second set 6-3.
◾ 2-1 3rd SET: Berrettini hits a 128mph service winner to save a second break point.
◾ 2-2 3rd SET: Murray puts a forehand wide and suddenly Berrettini has his own break. Italian wins set 6-4.
◾ 4th SET TIEBREAK: Murray saves set point and then sends a dive volley fractionally long at 6-6.
◾ 7-8 TIEBREAK: A 16-shot rally ends with Murray’s defensive forehand going long to lose set.
◾ 5th SET 4-5: Berrettini has the court at his mercy with Murray stranded, but drills a backhand into the net.
◾ 5th SET TIEBREAK: Murray seals a 5-0 lead when Berrettini sends a backhand long.
◾ 8-5: Panic stations as Murray sends a straightforward high volley long, allowing Berrettini to creep closer.
◾ 8-6: Murray keeps his composure on a second overhead to force backhand wide from Berrettini.
◾ 9-6: Murray makes the return of serve with a forehand, which floats on to the net cord and drops on to the other side for victory.