LONDON: Former world No.1 Andy Murray has capped off a dream return to professional tennis by winning the doubles title at the Fever-Tree Championships.
Paired up with Feliciano Lopez, who won the singles title earlier in the day, the duo overcame a stern challenge from Joe Salisbury and Rajeev Ram. A duo who knocked out the Bryan brothers in the semi-finals. Despite the threat, Murray and Lopez prevailed 7-6(6), 5-7, 10-8. Gifting the British player his first doubles title on the ATP Tour since the 2011 Tokyo Open.
“He [Lopez] was brilliant. There’s nothing else to say. It was an amazing win today in the singles and even at the end of the match there he came up with some brilliant returns and serves.” Murray commented during his on-court interview.
“I really enjoyed it. I felt very relaxed at the beginning of the week and was getting more nervous as the week went on and my competitive instincts kicked in.”
During what was a roller coaster encounter, both Murray and Lopez was pushed hard by their rivals. In the second set, the pairing came back from a 0-3 deficit, before breaking later in the set for a chance to serve for the title. However, Salisbury and Ram battled back to force the match into a 10-point tiebreaker.
On the cusp of the title, it was the efforts of Lopez that helped secure the win. An 81 MPH forehand return from the Spaniard elevated them to a 5-4 lead. Gaining in momentum, Lopez then hit an ace along with a smash at the net to extend their advantage. Tasked with serving the match out, Murray sealed the win with a serve towards Salisbury that was returned out.
This week was Murray’’s first taste of competitive tennis since his first-round loss to Roberto Bautista Agut at the Australian Open. Since then, he has undergone hip resurfacing surgery in a bid to prolong the career of the 32-year-old.
“My hip felt great, no pain. I’ll try to keep progressing from here but I’m just happy being back on the court.” Said Murray.
Besides the triumph of the three-time grand slam champion, Lopez has become the first man to achieve the double at Queen’s since America’s Pete Sampras.
“This happens only once in a lifetime to win here at singles and doubles.” Said Lopez.
“I don’t know if I’m at Eastbourne next week. I’m in the draw but I might need a bit of rest. We’ll decide tonight with a good glass of wine.” He added.
Murray, who is currently unrankd in the doubles, now has three titles to his name. He will return to action next week in Eastbourne, where he will be playing alongside Marcelo Melo.
