Britain’s Andy Murray showcased his bag of skills to edge past American Frances Tiafoe in a thrilling European Open first-round contest in Antwerp.
Murray has grabbed two match points as he won 7-6 (7-2) 6-7 (7-9) 7-6 (10-8) in a tense battle lasting three hours 45 minutes.
The Scot came from two breaks down to win the opener before his American opponent hit back.
The momentum of the match fluctuated in the deciding tie-break but Murray edged home.
From 8-7 down, he held his service points before sealing victory with a backhand shot which Tiafoe could only return into the net.
Murray will play Argentine second seed Diego Schwartzman, who received a first-round bye, in the second round on Thursday.
Murray said, “I think that’s the first time in my career I’ve played a 7-6 6-7 7-6. I don’t think I’ve ever played a match like that.
The 34-year-old said that he would be glad to rest a day before his next match adding that he was tired because the match was the longest three-set he ever played.
He said, “It was an unbelievable battle. He kept coming up with brilliant serves and great shots when I was getting chances. I don’t mind playing long matches but that was taking it to another level.”
Murray showed against Tiafoe – a former Australian Open quarter-finalist now ranked 48th – why he still believes he can win more titles on the ATP Tour.
After his defeat against the German the world number four Alexander Zverev in the Indian Wells third round, Murray showed his frustration at losing and said after the match that he felt his level was “50 or 60 in the world”.
Murray proved this latest conviction in the victory against Tiafoe as he served particularly well throughout as he hit 21 aces and backed that up with a solid second serve.
