Madrid Open: Andy Murray beats Denis Shapovalov to set up clash with Novak Djokovic – Andy Murray beats Denis Shapovalov 6-1, 3-6, 6-2 in a three-set match as the former World No.1 and Wimbledon is now set to face Andy Murray in the third round of the Madrid Open. The last time they faced each other was back in 2017 Doha. Follow All Sports Updates on InsideSport.IN
Madrid Open: Andy Murray battles past Denis Shapovalov 6-1 3-6 6-2 to set up BLOCKBUSTER CLASH with Novak Djokovic in round 3 of Madrid Open 2022
WHAT. A. MATCH!
🇬🇧 @andy_murray defeats Denis Shapovalov 6-1, 3-6, 6-2 and will face Novak Djokovic in the third round of the #MMOPEN pic.twitter.com/9a5K7Pfx8g
— #MMOPEN (@MutuaMadridOpen) May 3, 2022
Madrid Open: Andy Murray battles past Denis Shapovalov 6-1 3-6 6-2
Murray defeated Shapovalov 6-1, 3-6, 6-2 to reach the third round at the Mutua Madrid Open. It is the first time he has won consecutive matches since January in Sydney, where the 46-time tour-level titlist reached the final.
“In theory I should have no chance in the match. He’s obviously No. 1 in the world [and] I’m playing with a metal hip, so I shouldn’t have a chance in the match,” Murray said in his post-match interview. “It’s a great opportunity for me to see where my game’s at and to play against him again.
“We’ve had so many great battles over the years in some of the biggest tournaments in the world. We played in the final I think of all four Grand Slams, we played here in the final, and I haven’t had that opportunity to play against him for a long time. Didn’t know if I ever would get that chance, so I’ll enjoy it, I’ll have a fantastic attitude in the match, give it my best and see where I’m at.”
Madrid Open: Andy Murray sets up BLOCKBUSTER CLASH with Novak Djokovic in round 3 of Madrid Open 2022
After good wins at the Caja Magica against former Top 10 players in Dominic Thiem and Shapovalov, it will not get any easier for Murray. Next up is a blockbuster showdown with World No. 1 Novak Djokovic — their first meeting since the Doha final in 2017 — for a place in the quarter-finals.
Murray has shown glimpses of his best form throughout the season, winning eight consecutive first-round matches. But the 34-year-old has struggled to maintain that level. For a while Tuesday, it seemed that might be the case again.
🚨 THIS IS NOT A DRILL 🚨
Murray and Djokovic meet again for the first time in FIVE years!@DjokerNole @andy_murray #MMOPEN pic.twitter.com/03UQJJiGel
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) May 3, 2022
The Scot showed great movement to put extra balls in play as Shapovalov wildly sprayed balls, making an abundance of unforced errors. At 2-2 in the second set, Murray had an opportunity to break for a commanding lead, but was unable to convert.
Madrid Open: Andy Murray beatst Denis Shapovalov 6-1 3-6 6-2
From there, Shapovalov began to find his range and the former World No. 1 did not have an answer, allowing the Canadian to surge through the second set. But the two-time Madrid champion did not go down without a fight.
Up 3-2 in the decider, Murray hit a sensational forehand passing shot that sent Shapovalov tumbling into the red dirt. And on the next point, the lefty cut the margins too fine on a forehand up the line, ceding the break. Murray took full advantage and with his fourth break of the match, he triumphed after two hours and nine minutes.
Next up will be his 37th ATP Head2Head meeting against Djokovic, who leads their rivalry 25-11. The pair’s seven most recent meetings have come in finals. Djokovic had plenty of positive things to say about Murray and his determination in returning from hip surgery.
Source – ATP
Madrid Open: Andy Murray battles past Denis Shapovalov 6-1 3-6 6-2 to set up BLOCKBUSTER CLASH with Novak Djokovic in round 3 of Madrid Open 2022
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