The European Open in Antwerp seems to bring out something special in Andy Murray.
In 2019, Murray captured an emotional title–his first since undergoing major hip surgery. It remains his only ATP title since February of 2017. The 34-year-old Scot has a long way to go this week before he can lift the trophy again, but he has already played one of the best matches of the year. Murray outlasted Tiafoe 7-6(2), 6-7(7), 7-6(8) after three hours and 45 minutes during first-round action on Tuesday afternoon. Both men saved multiple match points.
It is the longest three-set match of 2021.
“I think that’s the first time in my career I’ve played a 7-6, 6-7, 7-6 (match),” the former world No. 1 reflected. “I don’t think I’ve ever played a match like that. I think it’s the longest three-set match I’ve played by quite a distance. I’m tired right now, obviously it was an unbelievable battle.”
In his post-match press conference, Murray revealed that this was just the third time in his career that he talked to his opponent in the locker room after the match.
“In terms of what I’ll remember, I just spent probably 30 minutes in the locker room afterwards just chatting to Frances really,” Murray said.
“I think maybe once I’ve had that conversation…twice…but very short after matches in the locker room. Once was with (Jurgen) Melzer at the U.S. Open after I beat him in five sets and we chatted a bit about the match, and then once after playing Jarkko Nieminen because we were waiting to speak to the Queen after we played. We were sort of standing next to each other, so we had a chat about the match.
“[I had] a long chat with Frances afterwards, so I’ll probably remember that–and then the embrace at the end. I guess so much went into it that I don’t remember loads of points in the match, but obviously the end was special. I’ve never played a match like that on the tour really…. In the locker room we had a much more in-depth chat about tennis, not so much the match…. That was kind of rare I would say.”
Murray’s reward is a second-round date with No. 2 seed Diego Schwartzman.
C’mon Andeeee!
Hope he’s not too knackered.
Great comments about talking to Frances in the locker room after the match!….Andy will be tired….so….Diego in 2.
YES, Andy! you are an inspiration. 😄 Brilliant win!
Tough match but Andy had all the answers in the end.
Margot, it’s very frustrating when I don’t get my brackets done! I would have picked Andy over Hurkats…and on and on.
🙂 You are a true fan, me not so much! 😉
Nobody is going to want to draw Andy early rounds AO, that’s for sure! Oh hang on…I can probably think of one or two!
Brooksby withdrew! Who takes Brooksby’s place? I really hope Andy gets another shot at the top. I think Brooksby’s replacement will do just fine.
But I won’t get to watch – My neighbor is sick: fever, difficulty breathing, and a sore throat. He went to church yesterday. Dumb mistake. If a person wants Covid, there’s nothing like going to a crowded church where no one wears a mask.
Andy gets LL Dominik Koepfer, a tricky left-hander but certainly not as tough as Brooksby.
Heh heh!..soo true RC!…and i who picked Brooksby (over Andy!?) to go very far,feeling very wise now RC!😁🙉
But you ARE very wise, darling. 😉
I thought he could at least win ONE match! Wrong!
Ohh M!…sorry!sorry!sorry!…the WISE word up there just a sarcasm for myself for picking ‘Koepfer’ to semis…but now when Andy really lose to him,that word sounds a bit bragging…sorry M!…didn’t mean to sound that way…
And sorry Andy lose M!…i think,he is really tired..not only physical..but mental too..and losing early almost every tourney now didn’t help him either…i wish him not participate in Stockholm next week..it’s really hard to c great champion like Andy losing to every ‘small’ players nowadays..
I have had enough. Novak is no longer fun and exciting like he used to be. My appetite for watching Novak lose to Fucsovics or anyone. Really, it would feel good if he retired now. I feel the same way
Darling AM: you’ve got it, so flaunt it! x
Hehehe…For now M!…Oh my God!…Paris draw is sooo crazy!!..And now another lucky loser ‘win’ over Tsitsi??
And what amazed me is that none of us picked Fritz over Rublev when Rublev showing signs weeks ago(even months) that he is not at the right place mentally atm!…Wow!…Doing TDC is soòoo exciting!..Wooohooo!!
Gud luck for Stockholm M!😀👋❤
So difficult to judge form at the moment, isn’t it? 2022 will be…interesting…
Good luck to you too, think I might need a minor miracle! x
Whoooo M!…i woke up this morning & there u r…wayyyyyyy on top!…hohoho!!…well done M!
It’s very xciting to c who will win this sunday…for yor sake M,hopefully Meddy!😀..Grab yor seat tightly M!…C’mon!!
Blink and you might miss it, darling. 😉
Hehehe…Oh yes ma’am!…very true!😁