Andy Murray, the former world number one, defeated Alexei Popyrin 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 to advance to the Queen’s Club Championships second round. This also marks his 1,000th tour-level singles match.
Murray’s victory was also his first on the Tour since the Miami Open. Murray, who entered Queen’s as a wild card, is aiming for a sixth championship here.
Murray admitted: “I didn’t realize, my mum told me it’s my 1,000th match on tour. A lot of matches and a lot of wear and tear on the body. It’s not easy, but I’m pushing through it.”
“I haven’t gotten too many wins this year. It’s been a difficult season, but I did well to come through in the end… Any win you can get is important, that’s why we’re playing. To try and win matches. With Wimbledon a few weeks away, I want to try and build up confidence and get some matches in my legs,” he added.
Murray back on track
Murray, the first British player to win a Wimbledon championship in the Open era, thought about quitting in the early months of 2019 because of his hip injury issues, but he eventually went back to playing.
The Briton made a mistake in the second set when Popyrin served well to force a decider, but Murray romped to his 739th victory with a volley at the net on match point, playing in front of home supporters and his mother Judy watching.
Despite winning Wimbledon twice, Murray has not advanced past the third round at the All England Club in the last three years. He will next play against Australia’s Jordan Thompson at Queen’s.
Top seed Carlos Alcaraz, the reigning Wimbledon winner, easily defeated Francisco Cerundolo 6-1, 7-5 to go to the next round, while Lorenzo Musetti of Italy defeated second seed Alex de Minaur 1-6, 6-4, 6-2.
Source: CNA