Andy Murray won his first match against a top ten player in 14 months at the Vienna Open, defeating Hubert Hurkacz in a tense match.
Throughout the match, the former World No. 1 appeared in command. This is Murray’s most consistent run of games since his hip replacement surgery.
Against Hurkacz, the Brit showed no indications of being slowed down by his titanium hip.
The three-time Grand Slam champion will face Carlos Alcaraz of Spain in the round of 16 at the Vienna Open.
Murray defeated Hurkacz with a statement victory
In the first round of the Vienna Open, Andy Murray met World No. 10 Hubert Hurkacz. Hurkacz had already beaten the Brit in their two previous meetings, in Cincinnati and Metz, this year.
Murray, on the other hand, flipped the tables this time, displaying incredible tenacity against the Polish pro.
Murray startled Hurkacz with terrific court coverage and some excellent shots. Furthermore, the former World No. 1 hit tremendous backhand winners and even volleyed successfully at the net.
His range of motion and type of shots were reminiscent of his previous self, and his metal hip did not appear to be an impediment.
“My movement has been getting a little better with each match. It was a good match that could have gone either way. It was a good win in tough circumstances.
“A lot of my movement is about anticipation and when you’re not playing many matches – like I haven’t been in recent years – you don’t read the play quite as well,” Murray said as per reports on BBC.
Murray’s return to his pre-injury levels is a source of excitement for the entire tennis community.
Murray will face 18-year-old Carlos Alcaraz in the round of 16 after smashing Hubert Hurkacz in a three-set thriller.
The Spaniard had a straightforward victory over British golfer Dan Evans in his previous game.
Murray and Alcaraz will enter the match with a lot of confidence after impressive first-round performances. It’ll be interesting to watch if the veteran or the adolescent wins.
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