ATP New York: Andy Murray defeats Alexander Zverev
Andy Murray reached the round of 16 at the ATP tournament in New York on Monday. The 33-year-old defeated number five in the tournament, Alexander Zverev, 6: 3, 3: 6, 7: 5 ( LIVETICKER in the review ).
by tennisnet.com
last edit: Aug 25, 2020, 01:09 am
Measured by the opponent's world ranking position, it was Murray's best win since the 2016 ATP Finals, where he defeated Novak Djokovic, then number two in the world.
"I played the first two sets quite well, but we were both a bit nervous in the crucial phases," said Murray after the match on TennisTV. "It was a long match and very hot at the beginning."
In the first set, Murray was in good shape. With good ball distribution he kept Zverev in check, who made 16 unforced errors, while Murray made almost none. A break to 3: 1 was decisive, he fended off two break balls at 4: 2.
It was Murray's best victory based on the opponent's ranking since a win over Novak Djokovic at the 2016 ATP Finals.
The Scot almost took the momentum into the second set, but he missed two break chances in Zverev's first service game. The 23-year-old became more solid in his basic strokes, Murray "gave" his opponent the break at 3: 4 with an impetuous net attack.
In round three Murray increased his level again, after a break he quickly led 4: 1. Suddenly he was struggling with his grip tape, however, and his bat seemed to slip out of his hand. He negotiated the rebreak, scolded his coaches and changed the racket to get the problem under control. Zverev equalized to 4: 4.
Murray played an unfocused service game and gave his serve again after hair-raising mistakes. The way for Zverev was clear, he served on the match, but also three double errors that led to the equalizer to 5: 5. Murray made his serve through, Zverev then again served two double faults and received a return winner with the backhand at the first match point.
Murray played 16 winners with 31 unforced errors, Zverev was 31/49 (eleven of which were double errors) Milos Raonic is now waiting in the round of 16, who gave Dan Evans no chance . "Milos is very attacking. He also had very serious injuries. We get along very well."