Former world number 1, tennis legend, Andy Murray recently showed he still has what it takes to be a top player on tour. Taking his first ATP title in four years on the clay in France.
Thirty-five-year-old Brit came back from a set down to defeat the world number 17, 2-6 6-1 6-2, claiming his first title since winning Antwerp in 2019, first on clay since Rome in 2016, and first challenger since 2005.
“This last year, 18 months, has been a bit of struggle with my game. But (my team) have been there supporting me and working with me to try and get better,” said Murray in a press conference.
Fifth seed Murray took a late wildcard entry into the tournament to get more clay-court match time and ranking points before the French Open in the later end of May, following first-round exits from Monte Carlo and Madrid in April.
Murray took a valuable round one win over Gale Monfils (former world number 6) in straight sets. This pumped Murray as he then soared straight through to the finals. The match had a slow start, resulting in Murray going four games down to the Australian open semi-finalist. However, Murray fed from the doubt of the crowd and walked the second set. Making the match equal again. Murray then missed out on the chance to go three-love up, by loosing to break-points on Paul’s serve, but took the chance in what was the penultimate game. Murray served for the match and to the set 6-1.
His win over Tommy Paul marks his third victory over a top-20 player this year, after beating Matteo Berrettini in the first of his thrilling at the Australian Open in January, and Alexander Zverev in Doha (Qatar) in February.
This win has bumped Murray up ten spaces in the world table, putting him at number forty-one in the world (his highest rank since May of 2018). Continuing this form and pushing deep into the draw of the upcoming Rome open may lead for the Brit to get into the top forties and have the chance to be seeded in a grand slam later in the year since Wimbledon of 2017.
For now, Murray aims to play the French open (grand slam 2) for only the second time since 2017!
Reported by Charlie Yr 8
Carre’s Grammar School, Sleaford
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Go Andy. Go Charlie!
GO CHARLIE
So lovely to read about a topic on which you are so passionate. It really comes across in your writing, Charlie.
Great article, well done Charlie!
Good to read about a resurgent Murray. Nice build up in the article.
Great article Charlie. You really captured the game in your writing!
Awsome
JK
I didn’t really realise that Murray was still a tennis contender! Fab article!
Love to hear Andy is back in the game, well written as well 🎾