Andy Murray is back! The two times champion beats 24th seed Nikoloz Basilashvili 6-4, 6-3, 5-7, 6-3 to reach the 2nd round at #Wimbledon, despite losing the last seven games of the 3rd set from *5-0 up... [getty]
Andy Murray overcame a 3rd set rally by Basilashvili to oust the Georgian 6-4 6-3 5-7 6-3.
It was a very warm and welcoming return for Andy Murray to the centre court of Wimbledon as he played against Basilashvili. Murray came out inspired and played very good tennis. He faced a very one-dimensional player who his hard and Murray always liked playing against those.
As expected Murray allowed Basilashvili to take initiative but he was off the mark committing too many mistakes. That was expected and Murray won the first set with 6-4. Basilashvili was a bit better in the 2nd and had break points but Murray was able to hold.
After that, the Georgian once again started hitting balls out of the court and Murray was able to win the 2nd set with 6-3. After that Nikoloz completely combusted and started rushing. He was becoming more and more frustrated and Murray had him where he wanted it.
He took an early break in the 3rd and added another one a couple of games later for a 4-0 lead. Murray served for the match at 5-0 but allowed Basilashvili to rally back all the way back to 5-5. Nikoloz saved 2 MP in that run which ended with him winning the 3rd 7-5.
The match was suspended at that moment to close the roof as night approached and that killed all momentum Basilashvili had. Murray broke him early in the 4th set and held the lead through the set to close it out with 6-3.
Andy Murray is back! The two times champion beats 24th seed Nikoloz Basilashvili 6-4, 6-3, 5-7, 6-3 to reach the 2nd round at #Wimbledon, despite losing the last seven games of the 3rd set from *5-0 up... [getty]