Aslan Karatsev fought back from a set down in the second round of the Huafa Properties Zhuhai Championships to oust seventh seed Andy Murray 4-6, 6-3, 6-2.

World No. 63 Karatsev moved past Matteo Arnaldi in a close-knit battle in the opening round to set up the clash with Murray at the Zhuhai Hengqin International Tennis Center. The three-time Grand Slam champion had defeated wild card home player Ye Cong Mo in his first match at the ATP 250 tournament.

The Brit made a strong start, looking confident as he took the first set 6-4. Murray had previously spoken of how he was hoping to use this event as a springboard for a successful Asian Swing and end to the season.

Unfortunately, though, his dreams of doing so were shattered by Karatsev's fighting spirit.

The two players have only met once before, this being at the 2022 Sydney Tennis Classic where Karatsev beat Murray in straight sets. However, many were predicting that the Scot would take this one due to his form having significantly improved this year.

However, Karatsev secured a break in the second set and went on to win four games before Murray could even get more than one on the board. The former World No. 1 then looked as though he was pushing back to re-claim the lead, bringing the score to 4-3, but Karatsev sprang ahead again to win the set 6-3.

In the final set, Karatsev dominated, getting the double break before Murray could win a single game, leading 4-0. The 36-year-old continued trailing despite winning two games in the set, and was unable to equalize as Karatsev held firm to win the set 6-2 and emerge victorious from the Round of 16 match.

Karatsev will possibly face yet another British player in the next round if second seed Cameron Norrie makes it through. If not, the Russian will face Australian qualifier Marc Polmans.