cinch Championships 2024: Five-time champion Murray claims first round victory in three-set thriller
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Former world No.1 Andy Murray made an emphatic return to the cinch Championships as he defeated Alexei Popyrin 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 in front of a packed Centre Court.
As he’s done many times over the years, the Brit channelled all of his grass court expertise at the Queen’s Club, where he's etched his name onto the trophy a record-breaking five times, to defeat the Australian on his first match point in one hour and 51 minutes.
Murray has already bettered his performance from last year which saw him suffer a first round exit to eventual runner-up Alex de Minaur, off the back of sealing back-to-back Challenger titles at the Lexus Surbiton Trophy and Rothesay Open Nottingham.
Speaking on court after his first round victory, Murray said, “During the match it’s difficult but it's a great reward at the end for all the hard work and effort I put into the match.
"I’ve not got too many wins this year, it’s been a difficult season but I did well to come through, hold quite a few tight service games and managed to serve out well."
"Any win you can get is important, that’s why we’re playing obviously, to try and win matches and with Wimbledon a few weeks away I want to try and build up some confidence and get some matches in my legs.
"Today was a difficult one and I’m proud of the way I fought and came back in the third set after losing the second. Great to get another win here."
After the first set went the way of the Brit, Popyrin managed to force his way back into the battle. The Australian tightened up on serve – landing 83% of first serves in comparison to just 57% in the first set. Having given little away on serve, Popyrin needed just one break to draw level in the first round encounter and take it to a deciding set.
Despite the setback, Murray managed to re-group as he caught sight of an early breakthrough in the third - launching a passing shot across the Aussie to send a rowdy home crowd onto their feet, before coming back from 0-30 down on his next service game to consolidate the break.
Carrying the momentum of the crowd firmly on his back, the three-time Grand Slam winner capped off the win in style with a delicate dropshot at the net – a fitting way to conclude his 1000th ATP tour level match.
Murray is now set to take on Jordan Thompson in the next round after the Australian downed seventh seed Rune in his opener on Monday.
Elswhere, Britain's Billy Harris enjoyed a milestone day after clinching the biggest win of his career against world No.32 Tomas Martin Etcheverry, while Dan Evans unfortunately had to retire in his opening match against Brandon Nakashima due to injury.
Catch up with all the latest results and updates from the 2024 cinch Championships
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