Barcelona Update: Andy Murray Produces Much Needed Win, Nadal Eases Through - UBITENNIS

Barcelona Update: Andy Murray Produces Much Needed Win, Nadal Eases Through

By Tony Fairbairn
4 Min Read
Andy Murray (zimbio)

Andy Murray produced a vital 6-4 6-4 victory over Feliciano Lopez to advance to the quarterfinals in Barcelona.

Murray, who was eliminated in Monte Carlo early by Albert Ramos-Viñolas, took control against Lopez in heavy conditions on Pista Rafa Nadal as he broke in the eighth game for a 5-3 lead in the opening set. Lopez’ stunning backhand did cause the Brit some problems and immediately broke back to keep him self within distance of his opponent.

The second set saw both men waste a combined number of nine break point opportunities in games three and four as the world number one was being left frustrated by an opponent that he normally plays against with ease . Despite a close and hard fought match by Lopez, his luck would run out eventually as Murray broke in the final game to complete a 6-4 6-4 win over his Spanish nemesis in 1 hour and 49 minutes. In a gritty performance, it’s exactly what Murray deserved. In the quarterfinals he could play the man that outplayed him last week Albert Ramos-Viñolas.

Rafa Rules Again

Meanwhile in the bottom half of the draw Rafael Nadal defeated Kevin Anderson 6-3 6-4 on his own court to advance to the last eight. The nine time champion in Barcelona started out strong using his top spin forehand to lead 2-0 love in the first set. Anderson was struggling to deal with some of Nadal’s aggressive play, however the South African showed the Catalonian crowd what he can do with his forehand. However the Spaniard managed to capitalise on missed first serves and broke again in the ninth game to grab the first set 6-3.

The second set saw Nadal attack a vulnerable Anderson who saved four break points in the first game to gain an early game advantage. However this didn’t last long as Nadal broke in the third game for a 2-1 lead. Despite the world number 66’s best efforts Nadal completed victory to advance to the quarterfinals.

What Did Rafa Say?

Despite the conditions Nadal was happy with his performance today:

“It wasn’t a day where I took a lot of free points because the court was very heavy. But I was serving well, at a good speed and changing directions well,I had the chance to hit my forehand after my serve and take control of the rallies, so I’m very happy with how I played.”

Here is his interview in full:

Other Results

Here are today’s other results which saw Hyeon Chung, Karen Khachanov and Yuichi Sugita produce shock wins:

Dominic Thiem (4) def Dan Evans 7-6(5) 6-2

Hyeon Chung def Alexander Zverev (8) 6-1 6-4 

Karen Khachanov def David Goffin (5) 6-7(7) 6-3 6-4

Yuichi Sugita def Pablo Carreño Busta 6-3 6-3

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