Andy Murray highlights key reason for his ability to chase more balls down after upset win over Hubert Hurkacz

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Andy Murray in action

Andy Murray has attributed his recent impressive performances to his improved movement, saying it has helped him to up his game in several areas.

The former world No 1 has given a handful of the world’s best players a run for their money in recent months, but somehow failed to pick up wins. However, it all clicked for him in the first round of the Vienna Open as he upset world No 5 Hubert Hurkacz.

After failing to capitalise on a match point in the second set tie-breaker, Murray then found himself up against it after dropping serve in the opening game of the decider.

However, he bounced back to secure a 6-4, 7-6 (8-6), 6-4 win for his victory over a top-10 player in over a year.

Andy Murray finally delivers a knockout punch against a top-10 player as he beats Hubert Hurkacz in Vienna

“It was a good match that could have gone either way,” Murray is quoted as saying by the official ATP Tour website.

“I was disappointed to drop serve in the opening game of the third, but thankfully I was able to get the break back in the next game and from there I probably deserved to get over the line. It was a good win in tough circumstances.”

Murray has certainly been reading play a lot better in recent months and he explained how he managed to raise his level.

“My movement has been getting a little better with each match,” he said.

“A lot of my movement is about anticipation and when you’re not playing many matches – like I haven’t been in recent years – you don’t read the play quite as well. Now I’m starting to see the ball a little earlier and starting to react a little quicker, which means I will start to chase more balls down.”

Murray will face Carlos Alcaraz in the second round after the Spaniard defeated British No 2 Dan Evans 6-4, 6-3.

Andy Murray

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