It was yet another beginning in the start-and-stop nature of the recent history of Andy Murray and his return to tennis.<\/p>\n
Murray’s 2018 hip replacement surgery<\/a> has led to a long road of small breakthroughs and high hurdles. And, despite winning<\/a> the 2019 ATP 250 in Antwerp, the Scot hasn’t been anywhere near the player that won three Grand Slam titles and reached World No. 1.<\/p>\n Earlier this season, in March, Murray had yet another set-back. This time it was a groin<\/a> injury that was his downfall and led to a three-month absence from competition.<\/p>\n Yet, it only feels right that he came back on the grass of the cinch Championships at the Queen’s Club in London. Grass is Murray’s best surface, where he won<\/a> two of his three Major titles.<\/p>\n And Murray got a favorable first round opponent too in Benoit Paire. Before the showdown with Murray, the Frenchman was a rancid 2-15 on the season.<\/p>\n The match itself was a straightforward affair, with Murray beating<\/a> Paire 6-3 6-2. The Scot served very well, facing zero break points over the course of the match and attacked the second serve of Paire with authority. Paire only won 9\/22 second serve points over the course of the match, which was a bad sign, especially considering that he only served at 50% first serves in.<\/p>\n Following the match, Murray said<\/a> to his post-match interviewer, “…I love playing tennis…Obviously competing is why you put in all of the hard work. In the last few years I have not gotten to do that as much as I would have liked, so…great that I’m out here and able to compete again.”<\/p>\n Not a single dry eye in the place \ud83d\ude22 <\/p>\n Beautifully said, @andy_murray<\/a> \ud83d\udc4f#cinchChampionships<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/eg8JF4Y8K9<\/a><\/p>\n — Tennis TV (@TennisTV) June 15, 2021<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\nAndy Murray at the 2021 Queen’s Club Championships<\/h3>\n
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