Andy Murray wins first title in virtually 4 years forward of French Open
A
ndy Murray claimed his first title since October 2019 with victory on the ATP Challenger occasion in Aix-en-Provence.
The Scot, enjoying with a metallic hip, has not been within the winners’ circle since triumphing in Antwerp three and a half years in the past and, though this can be a second-tier match, he’ll take nice satisfaction on this confidence-boosting success forward of the French Open.
Having breezed previous lowly ranked French gamers on his run to the ultimate, the usual was lifted and he got here good, beating world quantity 17 Tommy Paul 2-6 6-1 6-2 to elevate the title.
In doing so he ensures his return to the highest 50 of the rankings and a primary Challenger Tour stage win for 18 years.
It seemed prefer it would possibly slip away after a poor begin that noticed him lose the primary 4 video games of the match at hand Paul, an Australian Open semi-finalist earlier this 12 months, the benefit.
The 25-year-old American coasted to the primary set, however that was nearly as good because it acquired as Murray got here to the fore. He turned the tables by successful the primary 5 video games of the second set, together with two breaks of serve, and shortly levelled up.
Murray, eight days earlier than his thirty sixth birthday, broke within the opening recreation of the decider and didn’t look again as a second break consolidated his lead, permitting him to seal a memorable title.
The Scot solely took a late wild card into the match following an early exit from the ATP Tour occasion in Madrid and can now determine whether or not to go Rome or relaxation and put together for the French Open, which begins on May 22.