Two-times Vienna champion and former number 1 of the world, Andy Murray, has advanced to the second round after a great fight. The Brit beat Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz (ATP no. 10) 6-4, 6-7 (6), 6-3. For Murray, it was the first time in three meetings that he was able to beat Hurkacz. At the same time it was his first win against a top 10 player in 2021. In the second round, Murray will face Spain’s youngster Carlos Alcaraz. “It will be a tough match”, Murray prophesized, “he is one of the best young players on the tour.”
Murray, still unbeaten in Vienna, converted one of his four break points in the first set, but was stunned in the second when Hurkacz saved a matchpoint at 6-5 in the second set tiebreak with an impressive backhand down the line. Hurkacz went on to win the next to points too and thus the second set.
Three time’s the charm
In the deciding, set both players were shaky on serve but it was Murray who finally came through. He converted his third match point with an ace after 2:40 hours.
Lover of Vienna
After the match, Murray only had positive words about Vienna: “I just love this city. Great architecture, everything is so clean and the restaurants are great. I’m feeling very comfortable here.” Murray also had some nice words for the Viennese crowd: “Especially towards the end of the season when everybody is down to their last reserves the fans here give you so much energy. The arena is so big and the atmosphere is fantastic right from the first day.”
Berrettini makes it look easy
Italy’s top star Matteo Berrettini, the tournament’s number 3, faced some smaller problems only in the first set which he eventually still one 7-3 in the tiebreak against young Australian Alexei Popyrin. The Australian’s resistance broke down in the second set which Berrettini comfortably took 6-3 to advance to the second round.
With the win, Berrettini also qualified for the ATP finals in Turin.