Whisper it quietly, but Andy Murray might just be back to something approaching his best. The Briton, three times a Major champion, scored the finest win of his comeback from hip surgery by beating world #13 Matteo Berrettini, who last month reached the semifinals at the US Open, 7-6 7-6. It was Murray’s second tour-level win in as many weeks and it begs the question: just what might he accomplish before 2019 ends?
Mentally strong and physically capable
It is well known that few tennis players have successfully recovered from hip injuries as serious as Murray’s. The mental strength that the Scot has shown to be on the sidelines of the sport that he loves for such a long amount of time is admirable. That mental fortitude, combined with a physical resilience that was at times remarkable, was once one of the cornerstones of his game. And there have been signs in the last two weeks that this formidable combination is beginning to assert itself once more.
Echoes of the Murray of old
Murray was the player who pushed Alex De Minaur the hardest during the Australian’s march to the Zhuhai title last week. The Australian young gun, who has now won three tour-level titles this year, had always looked like being a tough opponent for Murray, but the former-world #1 gave him a run for his money in a match of punishing length and intensity. There was no shortage of quality on display either from both men, with Murray regularly able to stay with the younger man in extended rallies.
There were more examples of this in his match against Berrettini in Beijing. But perhaps more significance was how well he played tactically. Murray has always had an exceptional record against the big servers of the game. His anticipation, tennis IQ, movement and reflexes have caused the tour’s big-hitters problems throughout his career and Berrettini is certainly a player that fits into that category. It was surely pleasing for Murray to see that he was able to use some of those familiar skills to good effect again.
That he did so despite going down an early break in both sets further underlines just how good Murray’s performance was, although Berrettini will understandably be frustrated to have allowed his opponent back into the match when he had him on the ropes. Nonetheless, tennis unquestionably missed Murray in his absence and it is good to see him back winning in this fashion. Two tiebreaks, two set points saved and two very tight sets won. The mental and physical combining well to see the former world #1 through to the second round on his first match point.
Tougher tests to come
With that win against the eighth seed, Murray has cleared the way in his section of the China Open draw. His next opponent will be fellow Briton Cameron Norrie and if he can get through that match, a potential quarterfinal clash with the Austrian top seed Dominic Thiem or old sparring partner Richard Gasquet of France looms.
There are undoubtedly bigger tests to come on the court for Murray. His goals for this season were most likely more focused on getting back on court than adding to his haul of 45 titles. But if he can come out on top against Norrie and find himself in the last eight in Beijing, he will surely start to dream.
As always the question mark will be over his physical condition. He could certainly do with starting to win matches in a more comfortable fashion. But, after watching the last two matches, it would be something of a surprise if Murray’s name wasn’t engraved on at least one more ATP singles trophy before the end of his career. And if he can maintain the level he displayed against Berrettini, it could even be this year.
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