Andy Murray survives a marathon encounter in Shanghai - UBITENNIS

Andy Murray survives a marathon encounter in Shanghai

By Adam Addicott
4 Min Read

 

Andy Murray in action (image via expressandstar.com)

Andy Murray has edged out John Isner 6-7(4), 6-4, 6-4, during a thrilling battle in the third round of the Shanghai Rolex Masters.

Throughout the opening set neither player was able to generate a single break point opportunity as proceedings resulted in a first set tie-break. The outstanding service consistency from both players continued during the tie-break as one point decided the outcome of the set. In the fourth point of the tiebreaker, Isner produced a world class drop shot to break Murray to lead 3-1. The third seed was unable to claw his way back against the strong Isner serve as the American took the first set. Despite taking the first set, Isner’s unforced error count substantially exceeded Murray’s at 16 to 6.

Murray had chances to finally break Isner’s service during the middle part of the second set. In two consecutive Isner service games the British No.1 opened up a 40-15 margin to give himself a duo of chances to break for the lead. On both occasions the American valiantly recovered to hold his serve, frustrating Murray. After failing to convert six break points, Murray finally broke Isner at a crucial stage with a backhand down the line to nudge ahead 5-4. Serving for the set, Murray still encountered trouble against Isner. After fending off two break points, the third seed finally took the second set with a deep serve followed by a returning winner at the net.

After two intense sets on the court, Isner began to tire as his mighty serve started to  become less reliable. During the final set Murray had three break point chances in the third game to break, but was yet again unable to win the crucial point. It wasn’t until the seventh set that Murray was successful as he took advantage of an error-stricken game from the American to lead 4-3.  After a below-par start to the following game, Murray saved two break points with the aid of a spectacular cross-court shot to lead 5-3 against an ailing Isner. A powerful return from Murray lead to him generating his first Match point, but it was saved after Isner produced ace No.23 to force Murray to serve for the match. After saving another break point, Murray finally took the match with a fierce serve down the line which forced Isner to return the ball into the net.

The win is Murray’s fifth consecutive win against Isner since 2010. Throughout the marathon match, which lasted two hours and thirty-one minutes, Murray produced 37 winners, 25 unforced errors and won 79% of his first service points. It was visible that the Brit experienced trouble with Isner’s serve as he only converted 2/13 break points.

Murray won the title in Shanghai twice before in 2010 and 2011. In the next round Murray will play either Tomas Berdych or Gilles Simon.

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