Andy Murray grinds out impressive win over Alexander Zverev in New York

Andy Murray stepped up his return to competitive tennis with an impressive three-set victory over world No 7 Alexander Zverev in the last 32 of the Western & Southern Open.
The Scot, who said he felt “physically good” after beating young American Frances Tiafoe in the first round in New York in his first competitive match in nine months, backed that up with a courageous 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 win over the fifth-seeded German, a semi-finalist at the Australian Open earlier this year.
A single break of serve lifted Murray to the first set before his opponent converted one of his four break points in the second to level the match.
Waving to the third round like 👋
🇬🇧 @andy_murray picks up his first 🔝 🔟 win since 2017!#CInCyTENNIS pic.twitter.com/VTihj77jBZ
— ATP Tour (@atptour) August 24, 2020
But the 33-year-old Murray regrouped and broke for a 3-1 lead in the decider and then moved 4-1 in front, only for Zverev to reel off four straight games to go 5-4 ahead and give himself the chance to serve for the match.
However, Murray broke again to level before holding serve, leaving Zverev serving to stay in the match.
He was unable to do so as Murray converted his first match point to seal victory in two hours and 31 minutes.
It was a hugely encouraging display from the former world number one, who has admitted has had to lower his expectations since battling injury problems, with the US Open starting on August 31.
Murray will take on Canadian Milos Raonic, who knocked out Britain’s Dan Evans, in the last 16.
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official.
Latest
-
Kevin Palmer
EXCLUSIVE – British Davis Cup captain Leon Smith recalls sitting next to Judy Murray as her son won Wimbledon
We talk to Leon Smith about his coaching journey.
-
Australian Open
Australian Open tension boiling over as players, pundits, ex-pros, fans involved in social media spats
It’s all kicking off on social media.
-
Australian Open
Roberto Bautista Agut slams quarantine restrictions saying ‘it’s like being in jail, but with WiFi’
“These people have no idea,” says Roberto Bautista Agut.
-
Australian Open
Victoria Azarenka pens thoughtful letter to tennis community urging them to ‘accept, adapt’
Victoria Azarenka calls for calm.
-
Australian Open
Nick Kyrgios brands Novak Djokovic a ‘tool’ following Australian Open quarantine squabble
Nick Kyrgios again unimpressed by Novak Djokovic.
-
Kevin Palmer
EXCLUSIVE – Leon Smith reflects on coaching Andy Murray and the role of the inspirational Judy Murray
Leon Smith looks back on his days coaching Andy Murray.
-
Tennis News
Alexander Zverev goes ‘back to his family roots’ as he leaves Roger Federer’s management firm
Alexander Zverev confirms changes to his team.
-
News
Tennis players’ isolation complaints given short shrift by Victorian Premier
A total of 72 players are unable to leave their rooms.
-
ATP Tour
Kevin Anderson on potential ATP-WTA merger: ‘There have been no real discussions’
No ATP-WTA merger talks underway.
-
Australian Open
‘Players upset’ over privileges afforded to Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Dominic Thiem
“It’s not apples and apples here, but apples and pears.”