Former world number one Andy Murray did not need the hero of a marathon match on Saturday as he cruised into the third round at Indian Wells with his first straight-sets win of 2023.
Murray defeated lucky loser Radu Albot of Moldova 6-4, 6-3 – a one-hour, 42-minute encounter that was in stark contrast to Murray’s previous win this year in which the Australian’s second-round five-setter lasted five-plus hours. walked. open.
The escape artist’s exploits continued last month in Doha, where Murray won four three-set matches, fending off eight match points on his way to the final, where he lost to Daniil Medvedev.
He needed more than three hours to win his Indian Wells opener over Thomas Etcheverry in three sets.
The 35-year-old Murray said a quick win over Albot will pay dividends as the week progresses.
“You know, if your match is shorter, there’s probably less aches and pains, so it’s easier to sleep,” he said.
“The day off also probably becomes a bit more productive, because there’s less fatigue from the match, less soreness.
“So (I) have probably been able to practice with a little bit more intensity and practice more specific things, whereas yesterday I really hit a few balls, and that was it.
“Even this morning when I woke up I was a little tired, a little sore in my lower back and things like that, which I’d imagine wouldn’t happen until Monday.”
It augurs well for a third-round clash with fellow Briton Jack Draper a 6-4, 6-2 winner over another Brit Daniel Evans.
Murray said he was nervous going into Saturday’s match despite a career that includes three Grand Slam titles and two Olympic gold medals.
“I’m not sure why,” he said. “Maybe I just felt like it was a good opportunity for me and the draw opened up a bit.
And of course I wanted to try and finish the match early.
Murray said the recipe for getting those quick wins is simple.
He said, ‘Playing better will give you a chance to win matches early.’
“I know that being seeded in tournaments and having a high ranking means you’re usually playing players who aren’t as good as you are, so if you go out on the court and finish well, you Let’s finish the matches a little early.
“Whereas for me, that has not been the case. Hopefully I can move myself up the rankings, continue to build on that confidence and maybe even get a few more straight draws.”
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(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed)
