Andy Murray finally delivers a knockout punch against a top-10 player as he beats Hubert Hurkacz in Vienna
He had been threatening for a while to beat a player in the top 10 and Andy Murray finally pulled off a win as he upset Hubert Hurkacz in the opening round of the Vienna Open.
The former world No 1 did it the hard way as he failed to convert a match point in the second set tie-breaker before getting the job done in three sets, winning 6-4, 7-6 (8-6), 6-4 in two hours and 41 minutes.
Third time’s a charm 🤩@andy_murray defeats Hurkacz 6-4 6-7 6-3 in their third meeting this year, and gets his first Top 20 win of the season!@ErsteBankOpen pic.twitter.com/zXWLLEPNBp
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) October 25, 2021
Murray has shown signs of regaining his best form in recent months as he had threatened to upset the likes of Stefanos Tsitsipas, Alexander Zverev, Casper Ruud and Hurkacz.
In his third clash against Hurkacz on hard courts in just over two months, Murray produced arguably his best set of tennis in 2021 as he took the challenge to the world No 10 in the opener, fashioning two break points as early as the third game.
Solid on his own serve, Murray’s graft paid off on the Hurkacz serve in game nine as he got the crucial break before holding to take the opening set.
The fifth-seeded Pole upped his game in the second set and Murray initially produced some loose shots in game six as Hurkacz fashioned three break points only for the three-time Grand Slam winner to somehow conjured up a hold.
Nowhere is safe when @andy_murray is on the court 🔥@ErsteBankOpen pic.twitter.com/X5iwOX6lOF
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) October 25, 2021
Hurkacz then had to battle to hold his own serve as Murray failed to capitalise on the two break points in the next game before the set eventually went to the tie-breaker.
After sharing four mini-breaks early on, things stayed on serve with Murray having a match point on 5-6, but he could not deliver the knockout blow and Hurkacz eventually wore him down to take the match to a decider.
The Pole had his tail up and looked set to complete a stunning turnaround as he broke in the opening game only for Murray to pull off a brilliant comeback of his own with a break in game two.
With Hurkacz’s forehand floundering, Murray got the game-clinching break in game seven and then came out to serve for the match three games later.
He had another match point at 40-30 and the Pole threw everything at him as he saved the match point and eked out two break points only for Murray to get over the finish line at the third time of asking.
His victory over Hurkacz was his first win against a top 20 player in 2021 while it is also only the second time since 2017 that he has beaten a top 10 player.
Up next is Carlos Alcaraz, whom he beat in the second round of the BNP Paribas Open, after the Spaniard defeated Dan Evans in his opener.
Latest
-
WTA Tour
Emma Raducanu suffers huge injury setback on the eve of Miami Open
Raducanu forced to make a tough decision ahead of WTA 1000 tournament in Miami.
-
Tennis News
Carlos Alcaraz hailed for ‘chasing Rafael Nadal’ by pundits as injury concern highlighted
“It adds to the quality of Alcaraz that he can play at this level at the age of 20.”
-
Tennis News
Miami Open draw: Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner learn their fate as Andy Murray gets enticing opener
Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Daniil Medvedev and co. have learned their draws for 2024 Miami Open.
-
Tennis News
Tim Henman gives his verdict on Novak Djokovic’s ‘revealing’ Miami Open withdrawal
“It probably does lead a little bit more to speculation when you’re talking about your professional and personal life.”
-
Tennis News
Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer compared to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi by legendary coach
“Rafa can do the same thing that Federer does, while Cristiano cannot do what Messi does.”
-
Tennis News
Martina Navratilova makes Novak Djokovic ‘doubt’ claim as she highlights age factor
“What happens when you get older is the bad days are worse. You have to have it (doubt) no matter what.”
-
WTA Tour
WTA Rankings: Dominant Iga Swiatek practically assured of big feat ahead of Roland Garros
This way for your post-Indian Wells WTA Rankings.
-
Tennis News
Andy Murray makes retirement uncertainty confession as he also opens up about one of his toughest losses
“I would want to be there by right,” says Andy Murray.
-
ATP Tour
ATP Rankings: Novak Djokovic 7.997 years at No 1, Carlos Alcaraz holds off Jannik Sinner, Luca Nardi +27
This way for your latest ATP Rankings.
-
Tennis Videos
WATCH: Carlos Alcaraz on THAT point against Daniil Medvedev – ‘Something happened to my feet’
“Points like this one give me extra motivation to put a smile on my face.”