Gutsy Andy Murray hoping for a day off before battle of the Brits
Andy Murray admitted that he is hoping not to have to play on Tuesday after surviving a gruelling first round match against Stan Wawrinka in the first round of the Cincinnati Masters.
Murray battled through cramp to notch his first victory of the 2022 US Open season on Monday.
With a second round clash against current British No 1 Cameron Norrie lying in wait for Murray he has his fingers crossed for a kind order of play.
"I was just fighting, just trying to find a way through."
Gritty @andy_murray speaks after a hard-earned victory at #CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/Tx3RWz7KMC
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) August 15, 2022
Murray now holds a 35-14 record in Cincinnati, having lifted the trophy in 2008 and 2011.
“I started to feel it a little bit in the second and struggled at the beginning of the third,” said Murray after the match.
“I tried to get as many electrolyte salts as possible and saw the physio a bit which helped.
“But I struggled with the cramps in Washington against [Mikael] Ymer and again today so I need to get on top of that.
“I don’t know if we play tomorrow, I’m hoping there’s a day off. I’ll go and ask for one now if not!”
Andy's on it 👍
Two-time #CincyTennis champion @andy_murray is up and running with a 7-6(3) 5-7 7-5 victory over Stan Wawrinka. pic.twitter.com/L9qdRvUXxs
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) August 15, 2022
Murray was visibly drained after a taxing match in hot conditions but recognised that he needs to be aggressive to make his game work on the hard courts.
Tim Henman backs Andy Murray to defy his doubters once again
“The court is pretty lively when the weather is like this. Physically I feel tired,” Murray said in his on-court interview.
“I had some issues with cramp during the match, the same as Washington, so that is something I need to get on top of.
“I tried to take the ball on a little more and finish points at the net. I wasn’t that successful when I came up, but the intention was there. I was a little more offensive on the second-serve return. Last game I was just fighting, trying to find a way through.”
Murray Houdini 🎩@andy_murray pulls off the ultimate escape act at #CincyTennis! pic.twitter.com/dQP59NLHeH
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) August 15, 2022
Murray believes his match against Norrie will be an indicator of where he stands in his US Open preparation.
“Cam’s had a brilliant year or last 18 months,” said Murray.
“He’s been playing top level tennis, very very consistently.
“It will be a big test and a great match for me going into the US Open.
“He is very different to how Stan plays, being a lefty,” Murray added.
What needs to happen for Rafael Nadal to snatch No 1 in Cincy
“Flat on the backhand, heavy topspin on the forehand.
“We have spent a little bit of time on the court together, so there won’t be many surprises out there for me.”
Norrie showed both grit and quality in battling past Holger Rune 7-6(5), 4-6, 6-4.
Rune surprised Norrie with his powerful groundstrokes but the Brit was able to turn the tide with his aggressive forehand.
Murray’s win set up just the second clash between the two Brits with the previous encounter going to the Scot in Beijing back in 2019.
Emma Raducanu teams up with Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina in Cincinnati doubles
Norrie has won two titles this year and reached his first Grand Slam semi-final at Wimbledon last month.
Murray has had a frustrating time trying to get back into the swing of the tour as injuries have hampered his progress, however championship match appearances in Sydney and Stuttgart suggest he still has plenty to offer.
Latest
-
Tennis News
Brad Gilbert addresses calls to ‘fix’ Coco Gauff’s forehand as he reveals his one coaching regret
“Not everybody is like Rafa that can make changes all the time. Andre was another one that liked to tinker.”
-
Tennis News
Daniil Medvedev highlights Carlos Alcaraz’s ‘advantage’ – ‘I felt a little bit out of solutions’
“It’s tough. Mentally it’s not easy to play against this,” admits Daniil Medvedev.
-
Tennis News
Martina Navratilova dismisses Emma Raducanu ‘fluke’ claims as she highlights a ‘handicap’
“It was amazing when she won but it’s become a handicap because the expectations have gone sky-high.”
-
ATP Tour
WATCH: Tennis star collapses during Miami Open qualifier as opponent admits ‘I didn’t see him fall’
Arthur Cazaux left the court in a wheelchair.
-
Tennis News
Tennis great Martina Navratilova sympathises with frustrated Andy Murray – ‘It’s exhausting’
“It’s exhausting to have to deal with the press like that for Andy,” says Martina Navratilova.
-
Tennis News
Aryna Sabalenka’s boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov dies as club confirms tragic news
Our thoughts go out to Aryna Sabalenka.
-
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.”