Andy Murray makes winning start of the season at Biella Challenger

Competing in his first match of the new season, the three-time Major champion Andy Murray defeated Maximilian Marterer 6-7, 6-2, 6-3 in two hours and ten minutes at Biella Challenger.

In his first Challenger tournament since Mallorca 2019, Andy lost the opening set against the German before finding the rhythm to seal the deal with a nice package on both serve and return. The Briton served at 74% and dropped only 18 points in 14 service games, never losing serve and overpowering Maximilian in sets two and three to advance into the next round.

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Marterer saved two break points in game six to remain in touch, and Murray introduced the tie break after a hold at love in game 12. A left-hander won it 7-3 with a service winner, gathering a boost and hoping for more in set number two. Starting all over, Andy served well in set number two and grabbed two breaks for commanding 6-2. The first of those came at 1-1 when Murray placed a perfect backhand crosscourt winner, and the second at 4-2 when Marterer netted a forehand.

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The Briton held with an ace in game eight, looking good to repeat that level in the decider. Maximilian stayed competitive in the opening five games before Andy shifted into a higher gear and brought the victory home with breaks in games seven and nine. Murray earned the first break at 3-3 with a volley winner and sealed the deal with a beautiful lob winner at 5-3.