WATCH: Andy Murray through to semi-finals of Challenger Tour event in Italy
Andy Murray reached the semi-finals of the ATP Biella Challenger Tour event with a straight sets win over Slovenia’s Blaz Rola.
Top seed Murray beat Rola 6-4, 7-6 (11-9) to reach the last four in northern Italy after missing out on the Australian Open.
The Scot was not allowed to travel to Melbourne after testing positive for Covid-19 and was then unable to find a “workable quarantine” to play at the grand slam after recovering.
Semi-final bound in Biella 💪
Highlights of @andy_murray's gritty two-hour and 20-minute victory over Blaz Rola. ⬇️⬇️ pic.twitter.com/6xp84VGUk6
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) February 12, 2021
Murray’s only previous meeting with the 30-year-old Rola came in the second round at Wimbledon in 2014 when he was the defending champion.
On that occasion Murray only dropped two games, but he was made to work harder this time as Rola broke straight back after losing his opening serve.
The first set then went with serve until Murray broke for a 5-4 lead and then served out successfully.
Murray broke Rola again to take a 3-2 lead in the second set and served for the match at 5-4.
But Rola hit back and forced a thrilling tie-break, which Murray eventually won 11-9 to seal his place in the last four.
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Tennis NewsAndy Murray preparing for a return to the ATP Tour in France
Murray has accepted a wildcard to play another tournament in France.
-
Tennis NewsRemarkable statistics confirm Daniil Medvedev is the new king of hard courts
Daniil Medvedev can now be hailed as the new king of hard courts.
-
Kevin PalmerExclusive – Myleene Klass believes Emma Raducanu can inspire a generation
Myleene Klass has revealed Emma Raducanu has inspired her daughters to reach for the stars after her stunning win at the US Open.
-
US OpenDominic Thiem on Emma Raducanu’s US Open win: ‘It’s one of the greatest achievements in women’s sport’
“Perhaps it is the greatest breakthrough of all time,” says Dominic Thiem.
-
US Open‘Unfair that Novak Djokovic is always the bad guy and Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are the good guys’
“I hope he is treated a little more fairly,” says Boris Becker.
-
Tennis NewsVenus Williams explains backstory behind photo with Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova at Met Gala
Just Venus, Serena and Maria enjoying a laugh in the bathroom at the Met Gala.
-
News‘I think it’s gradually sinking in a bit more,’ says Emma Raducanu after ‘whirlwind experience’
The teenager took part in a round of breakfast TV and radio interviews.
-
WTA Tour‘People are talking about tennis again,’ revels Boris Becker after ‘Dame Emma Raducanu’s’ heroics
Boris Becker waxes lyrical about Emma Raducanu.
-
Tennis NewsTennis to introduce ‘Stefanos Tsitsipas bathroom break rule’ following Greek’s lengthy loo visits?
Stricter rules on the cards following furore over Stefanos Tsitsipas’ loo breaks.
-
Tennis NewsLTA chief insists Emma Raducanu will not lose focus after stunning rise to the top
Lloyd has called for the newly-crowned US Open champion to be given “breathing space”.