On a day where British tennis was targeting double joy, it was poster boy Andy Murray that prevailed with a hard fought 7-6(8), 7-5, 6-0, win over Juan Martin del Potro at the French Open.
The highly anticipated encounter was a rematch of last year’s final at the Rio Olympic Games. Initially, both players managed to live up to the pre-match hype with a marathon opening set before Murray exerted his dominance against a gradually fading Del Potro.
Resuming their rivalry on an almost packed Court Philippe Chatrier, both men were out to prove a point. Murray was seeking a solid performance after what has been a roller coaster season on the clay for the world No.1. Meanwhile, Del Potro was eager to dismiss ongoing injury concerns that has overshadowed him before and during this year’s tournament.
Signs of any physical issues hampering the Argentine were vacant from the onset of the match. Del Potro’s blistering forehand tested the No.1 seed, who went down a break almost instantly. There was little to choose between both players with 35 points each after ten games during what was a set worthy of a grand slam final. Del Potro failed to capitalise on his lead as Murray battled valiantly, saving two set points on route, to level the match at 5-5.
The closeness between the two resulted in a thrilling opening set tiebreaker. Murray was on course to take it with ease after a backhand drop shot elevated him two set points at 6-4. Still, it was not enough to tame Del Potro, who then claimed three points to move ahead. Engaged in some gripping baseline rallies, prompting praise from the crowd, Murray survived the scare to come out on top. Ironically, it was Del Potro’s trusted forehand that let him down after a shot drifted just out. Murray’s response was a fist pump directed towards his camp, but del Potro wasn’t convinced. The outcome was eventually confirmed by the match umpire after he consulted with a lineman. Del Potro’s heavy investment was visible as he slumped over the net after dropping the marathon 82-minute set.
“It was tough because I think he (del Potro) was playing much better than me in the first set.” Murray admitted during his post-match interview.
Murray’s mini triumph proved too much for his opponent, who started to suffer during set No.2. A early break for the top seed increased his stronghold in the match as Del Potro sought painkillers to treat his ongoing problems. The two continued fighting on court during the roller coaster encounter, but the spark was no more. Even a chant of ‘Delpo’ from the crowd failed to turn around the match. Failing to serve the second set out at 5-4 due to some impressive play from his rival, Murray triumphed two games later with the help of an ace down the line.
Racing towards the finish line, the top seed grew stronger and stronger. Murray was visibly the fitter of the two players, seemingly improving the longer the match progressed. It was almost unfair that the match ended in such a one-sided manner given Del Potro’s early investments. Their battle concluded with a Murray backhand painting the baseline to extend his head-to-head record to 7-3 against the Argentine.
“I expected a very tough match and the first set was very very important I think. Whoever won that first set had big momentum.” Said Murray, who fire 44 winners past his third round opponent. “In these conditions when it is very slow and heavy, to be coming back is very difficult. I played some very good tennis towards then end.”
The victory at Roland Garros means the world No.1 has won three consecutive matches on the clay for the first time this season. Leading up to the second grand slam of 2017, doubts were cast over Murray followed his lacklustre results on the tour.
“I’m starting to play better. I was really looking forward to playing at the French Open. I struggled the last six or seven week’s coming in. This is one of the most important tournament of the year. I have great memories from last year in Paris and I wanted to come and play some good tennis again.” The three-time grand slam champion explained.
“Each day I am feeling a little bit better, I hope I can keep it going.” He added.
In the last 16 Murray will play either John Isner or Karen Khachanov.
Edmund edged out
The other British interest at the French Open on Saturday was Kyle Edmund, a former boys doubles champion at Roland Garros. Facing experience opponent Kevin Anderson, the Brit had a two-set advantage before crashing out 6-7(8), 7-6 (4), 5-7, 6-1, 6-4. The match, which was the longest the 22-year-old had ever played, saw the world No.49 falter of the worst possible moment. Serving at 4-4 in the decider, Anderson grabbed the critical break before closing out the four-hour match.
“Kyle is a great player and it came down to one or two points,” Anderson said about the Brit. “I’m pleased to be through.”
Former top-10 player Anderson will next play seventh seed Marin Cilic. Cilic eased past Feliciano Lopez 6-1, 6-3, 6-3, in his third round encounter on Saturday.
