Andy stretched to the limit!
(BUT HE STILL COMES THROUGH)
AnDy MUrrAy came through an epic firstround contest against American Frances Tiafoe at the European Open in Antwerp which lasted almost four hours after three tiebreak sets.
Back at the scene of his last singles title in 2019, the former world no1 showed great stamina alongside his 23-yearold opponent to battle through 7-6, 6-7, 7-6 in three hours and 46 minutes of a gripping encounter last night.
Murray’s ranking has dropped to 172 as a result of the points finally coming off from his triumph in Belgium, which came less than a year after his hip resurfacing surgery.
The 34-year-old has been able to maintain fitness enough to play a sequence of tournaments and show some encouraging form, although he was beaten by Alexander Zverev in the third round at Indian Wells.
Murray clinched the victory on his second match point. He hit a backhand drop shot that Tiafoe was unable to retrieve. The 23-year-old’s sprint took him to the Scot’s side of the net, where the pair shared a warm embrace. Murray has now won his opening match in five consecutive tournaments at all levels. He had to scratch and claw throughout against Tiafoe, who was the better player for a good portion of the match.
The American served for the opening set twice, needed six set points to win the second set, led by a break in the decider and held two match points in the final-set tiebreak. But Tiafoe failed to put a return in play on those two match points, and Murray took full advantage.
Speaking after his victory on court, broadcast by Amazon Prime, Murray said: ‘I think that is the first time in my career I have played a 7-6, 6-7, 7-6.
‘It is the longest three-set match I have ever played by quite a distance. I am tired right now.
‘It was an unbelievable battle. He kept coming up with great serves and shots when I was getting chances.
‘nowadays my body is old. I have played a lot of matches on the tour — but that was taking it to another level.’
Murray will go on to face no 2 seed Diego Schwartzman,
the world no 13.