Two-time champion Andy Murray has returned to the winner’s circle at Wimbledon after knocking out world No.28 Nikoloz Basilashvili 6-4, 6-3, 5-7, 6-3, in a roller-coaster encounter.
The Monday evening showdown marked a return of the 34-year-old to singles competition at The All England Club after a four-year hiatus. During that period he has undergone multiple hip surgeries, pondered retirement and been blighted by other physical issues, including ‘freak’ a groin problem that affected him earlier this season.
Despite his previous adversity, Murray’s hunger and drive to win was no different to that of the past. He led the match by two sets and 5-0 before suffering a seven-game losing streak. Despite the blip, he still managed to come out on top. Spurred on by the rowdy crowd, the Brit fired a total of 37 winners en route to what was both an emotional and frustrating victory.
“It’s amazing to be back out here again playing on Centre Court. It was such a brilliant atmosphere,” said Murray. “It’s something that since I came back I have missed over the past eight, nine months playing in front of fans. It was an amazing reception.”
Taking to the court, Murray faced a stern test against the Georgian. 24th seed Basilashvili has already won two Tour titles this year and recently reached the semi-finals in Halle, Germany. However, the former world No.1 was up for the challenge. There was little to distinguish between the two players throughout the opening set but it was two mistakes by Basilashvili which cost him. Leading 5-4, 30-30, Murray earned his first set point after a backhand drop shot from his rival failed to go over the net. Then in the following point, another Basilashvili backhand error rewarded him the 6-4 lead.
It was a case of deja vu in the second frame with Murray continuing to dictate the rallies and moved the ball onto his rival’s weaker backhand side. Although ironically it was a Basilashvili forehand into the net which gave him his second break of the match and a chance to serve for a two-set lead. A task he passed with flying colours with the help of a delicate drop shot to finish off the set.
The Murray offensive began to overwhelm his higher ranked opponent who became more erratic as the match progressed. Playing into the hands of the fired up three-time Grand Slam champion. A five-game winning streak placed Murray on the verge of victory until a dramatic turn of events.
He started to look tentative on the court as nerves started to take their toll on him. Much to the surprise of the Wimbledon crowd whose cheers started to turn into gasps of shock. Out of nowhere Basilashvili regained his footing by making fewer mistakes and unexpectedly turned his 0-5 deficit into clinching the set 7-5. Suddenly the fairytale return of Murray was starting to turn into a nightmare. On top of that, the match was then halted for more than 15 minutes whilst the roof was put on amid concerns of incoming rain.
Resuming play, both players exchanged breaks before Murray once again restored his lead. Mixing up the pace of his shot-making managed to nudge ahead 3-1 in the fourth set. Weathering the storm, he moved once again to four points away from victory but this time he sealed victory after a backhand from his rival slammed into the net.
“I was disappointed that I lost the third (set) and I had to remember kinda what it was I was doing that got me into the winning position. I cut out some drop shots, I think I served slightly better in the fourth set and I managed to turn it around,” Murray commented on his performance.
The victory is only Murray’s third win on the ATP Tour this season. In recent times there has been questions over how much longer he will continue playing and he has previously vowed to play every match like it would be his last. However, the world No.118 has stated that he is not contemplating retirement anytime soon.
“It’s been extremely tough, even these last few months. I didn’t have the most serious of injuries but it has been extremely frustrating not being able to get on the court,” he said.
“I’ve had such little momentum over the last few years. I just kept trying, working hard in the gym and doing all the right things to get me back into this position.’
“I keep getting asked if this is going to be my last Wimbledon. I don’t know what I keep getting asked, no, I’m gonna keep playing. I can still play at the highest level. He’s (Basilashvili) ranked 28th in the world and I have hardly played any matches and I have beaten him. So I’m going to keep going.”
