Andy Murray has chalked up his first win in the round robin stages of the World Tour Finals at the O2 Arena with a 6-3, 3-6, 6-2 victory over Juan Martin Del Potro.
Murray commanded the match from the outset, racing to a 3-0 lead in the space of fifteen minutes. At this point, Del Potro managed to suffer from a nose bleed and therefore took a medical time out. When play resumed, it was clear that Murray was on his A game and Del Poro looked lethargic. It wasn’t long before he was 5-1 up and poised to take the set. Unfortunately, a combination of a dip in concentration from the world number four, and a bit of pressure from Del Potro saw that lead slip to 5-3. Fortunately, Murray still managed to seal the set 6-3.
However, the dip of form that started toward the end of the opening set continued into the second and Del Potro, this time, took the 3-0 lead. The home favourite did manage to pull the set level. However, the reprieve was brief, and despite chances in the closing game, the Argentine took the set 6-3 and levelled the match.
The deciding set proved a stunning display of shot making from both men, the noticeable difference from Murray being the abiliy to punish Del Potro with his first serve. Murray looked determined not to let this match get away from him and, with the help of a double fault, took the opening break. The British number one continued to put Del Potro under pressure and at 5-2, two more double fault gave Andy Murray two match points. The first went by with little effort from Del Potro, but the second saw Murray display his very best defensive skills, counter-punching his way to a well deserved victory.
Murray will next be in action on Tuesday, following tomorrow's group B matches.
Murray pleased with excellent startIt’s always tough out there. We’ve played 4 or 5 times and it’s always tough. But I started good today and stayed tough.
I served better in 3rd, he served well in the second and I served well in the first. That was the main difference when he was able to get free points on his serve.
Obviously [the atmosphere’s] great. Outside the US Open this is the second biggest arena I’ve ever played in.
Obviously having 16,000 people cheering for you is incredible. I loved it, and hopefully the support will stay the same for the rest of the tournament.