Murray makes historical past as Brit wins Aix-en-Provence in 18-year first

Andy Murray made ATP Challenger Tour historical past as he got here from a set all the way down to win the Aix-en-Provence title. The Brit stormed again to defeat high seed Tommy Paul 2-6 6-1 6-2 and set a brand new file for probably the most time elapsed between lifting Challenger titles. It marks his first trophy at any stage since 2019 and his first on the clay in seven years.

Murray was competing in his first clay ultimate at any stage because the 2016 French Open, as he Paul. The American had received their solely prior assembly within the 2021 Stockholm quarter-final, edging previous the previous world No 1 in three units.

The world No 17 acquired off to a fast begin, dropping simply three factors within the first 4 video games as he took a double-break lead. Murray lastly managed to get on the board at 1-4 however couldn’t earn any of the breaks again, shortly dropping the opener 6-2 in 29 minutes.

The three-time Major champion turned the match on its head within the second set as he was the one racing to a 4-0 double-break lead. It was a whole reversal of fortune for Murray, who took it 6-1 in 36 minutes to pressure a decider.

His momentum continued into the third and ultimate set, because the fifth seed once more broke Paul within the opening recreation. He had probabilities to take one other double-break lead however the 25-year-old was in a position to maintain for 1-2.

Another break level got here and went for Murray however he maintained was lastly in a position to get one other look in on the Paul function he broke once more to go 5-2 up and serve for the match. And he closed out a three-set comeback victory to raise his first title in three-and-a-half years.

With the win, Murray has additionally damaged David Ferrer’s file of the longest time elapsing between selecting up Challenger titles. The retired Spaniard has 17 years and two months between profitable Sopot in August 2001 and Monterrey in October 2018.