US Open: Andy Murray makes a positive start to his campaign in New York by defeating Francisco Cerundolo | Tennis News
Andy Murray showed no sign of his recent cramping problem as he overcame 24th seed Francisco Cerundolo to reach the second round of the US Open on Monday.
The 35-year-old has entered the league winning just one game on North American hard courts this season and with concerns about persistent cramps but this proved to be a relatively straightforward game in wet conditions.
The Argentinian Cerundolo won the majority of his ratings on clay and Murray had to go through a lot of long rallies on his way to a 7-5 6-3 6-3 win, with the only bad especially without serving the ball. all three sets.
It was the first time Murray had won a straight match at a Grand Slam since Wimbledon five years ago, and he said: “For me, it was five sets. It was very difficult, very humid conditions. wet and hot. I’m really happy. The way I got through it wasn’t easy.”
Ten years after his first Grand Slam title, and with Ivan Lendl back in his box, Murray maintains optimism that he can have more memorable Grand Slam days.
He was allowed to coach on the field for the first time this year, and Murray said of Lendl with a smile: “He’s a man of few words. He doesn’t speak harshly but letting him be there to support me is a blessing. It’s really important. He’s still there supporting me at this stage in my career when a lot of people don’t.”
He hasn’t made it past the second round at Flushing Meadows since 2016 but it was a decent draw. Cerundolo is still looking for his first major draw win at a major and lacks hardcard experience.
Murray had an uneventful start, dropping the opening game at Louis Armstrong Stadium, where some tough battles took place for the Scots before it was rebuilt.
He immediately started trying to make sure this wasn’t another, winning four games in a row and looking ready to take the first set only to play a bad service game 5-3. .
He was furious the next game when Cerundolo was awarded a point even though the ball appeared to bounce twice as he charged for a volley.
The referee was powerless to overturn his decision but, after two slow-motion replays on the big screen aided Murray, Cerundolo sported his opponent’s point – a gesture he did Scotland thanked after the game.
Cerundolo, who had lost all four previous games to the British, was still served but then gave the entire set to his opponent two games later with a double fault.
Murray took a 5-0 lead in the second half before losing three games in a row but now the Scot is in complete control and, minus one more serve, he has a powerful finish. strong.
Don’t forget to follow us on skysports.com/tennisour Twitter account @skysportstennis & Sky Sports – on the go! Available for download now on – iPhones and iPads and Android