Multiple Grand Slam champion Andy Murray has described his shock win over Jannik Sinner in the second round of the Stockholm Open as ‘his best of the season.’
Murray, who received a wildcard to play in the tournament, stunned the world No.10 7-6(4), 6-3, after more than two hours of play in what was their first ever Tour meeting. Sinner is the second top 10 player he has beaten on the Tour this season after Hubert Hurkacz in Vienna. In his latest match Murray won 72% of his service points and broke his opponent four times overall.
“It’s probably my best win this season,” Murray said. “I want to keep it going now.
“If I want to move back up the rankings and have good runs in tournaments I have to win these matches.
“I played a lot of guys ranked between three, four in the world and 15, 16 and I’ve won a couple but have lost quite a few, so it is good to start to turn those matches around. Now I am in the quarters, so I want to have a deep run here.”
The 34-year-old is through to the last eight of an ATP tournament for only the second time this year. Earlier in the week he defeated Norwegian qualifier Viktor Durasovic in straight sets. Awaiting him in the next round will be America’s Tommy Paul who is also yet to drop a set in the tournament and stunned Andrey Rublev in Indian Wells last month.
This week Murray is bidding to reach the last four of a Tour event for only the second time since he underwent career-saving hip resurfacing surgery in January 2019. During what has been a frustrating comeback hampered by other issue setbacks and the COVID-19 pandemic, he admits that he is unlikely to return back to his very best. However, the Brit believes he still has what it takes to challenge the best in the world.
“I think I still have a lot to offer,” he stated. “I don’t know what it is in terms of a percentage, but I can compete against guys that are three, four in the world.
“So if my body stays good and I am able to build some momentum with more tournaments and matches then I can get right up there again.”
Murray’s latest victory has elevated him up the live rankings to 95th in the world as he aims to break back into the top 100. Something he last achieved in May 2018. However, he is not looking too far ahead.
“Ideally you want to have a longer-term view on things, it is a bit better in terms of how you improve and view results,” he said. “But I am also aware that one more injury could mean the end so I want to make the most of every single week.
“Every week is important for me now.”
Murray now has 15 wins against 13 losses on the Tour so far this season.
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