Murray Takes Command Against Tsitsipas at Wimbledon as Thursday Play Sees Curfew Lifted

Murray Takes Command Against Tsitsipas at Wimbledon as Thursday Play Sees Curfew Lifted

Murray Takes Command Against Tsitsipas at Wimbledon as Thursday Play Sees Curfew Lifted

Scottish player seeks to achieve his 200th victory in a Grand Slam match

On Friday, Andy Murray will resume his match, needing just one more set to advance to the third round at Wimbledon, a feat he has accomplished only once since 2017. 

The Scottish player had a gripping encounter with Stefanos Tsitsipas, ranked fifth in the world, on Thursday. 

When play was suspended at 10:38 p.m. on Centre Court, Murray held a 6-7(3), 7-6(2), 6-4 lead. Given the imminent 11 p.m. curfew, it was highly unlikely that the match would conclude before then.

The atmosphere inside Centre Court was electric as the two-time champion, Murray, and Greek sensation, Tsitsipas, battled it out in an enthralling second-round clash under the roof. 

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Tsitsipas displayed tremendous power in his forehand shots throughout the intense two-hour and 53-minute contest, while Murray grew in confidence as the match progressed. 

Despite dropping the first set, the former World No. 1 showcased remarkable movement and unleashed more aggressive groundstrokes in the second and third sets, ultimately gaining the upper hand by the end of the day.

However, there was a moment of concern for Murray in the final game of the third set. While serving for the set, he slipped and grasped his groin in pain. 

Nevertheless, he quickly recovered, returned to his feet, and clinched the set on the following point. 

Murray will need to assess any potential lingering effects of the fall overnight.

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Murray and Tsitsipas currently share a 1-1 record in their ATP Head2Head series, with Tsitsipas emerging victorious in their previous encounter at the 2021 US Open. 

The winner of their Wimbledon clash will face Laslo Djere in the third round. Djere secured his spot by defeating young American talent Ben Shelton 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(5), 6-3.

With a remarkable 61-12 record at Wimbledon and two championships under his belt (in 2013 and 2016), Murray is no stranger to success on these grass courts. 

When he resumes play on Friday, his objective will be to secure his first Top 5 victory of the season, a feat he hasn't accomplished since June 2022 when he defeated Tsitsipas on grass in Stuttgart. 

Additionally, Murray aims to join the ranks of only seven other male players in the Open Era (since 1968) who have achieved 200 Grand Slam match wins.

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Tsitsipas, who battled his way past Dominic Thiem in a grueling five-set encounter in the first round, is vying to reach the third round at Wimbledon for the third time. 

In 2018, Tsitsipas showcased his exceptional skills by progressing to the fourth round, marking a standout achievement in his career at that time.

The opening set between Murray and Tsitsipas showcased a display of high-quality tennis, with both players serving impressively and providing little room for their opponents to seize opportunities. 

Tsitsipas demonstrated a more aggressive style, registering 21 winners compared to Murray's 11, but the Scot showcased excellent mobility to stay in lengthy rallies.

At 5-6 in the set, Murray saved a set point with a forehand that kissed the line, keeping himself in contention. 

Also read :Murray Takes Command Against Tsitsipas at Wimbledon as Thursday Play Sees Curfew Lifted

However, Tsitsipas seized control in the ensuing tie-break, utilizing nimble footwork and a potent forehand to gain the upper hand.

Murray responded strongly in the second set, unleashing his solid groundstrokes with depth and composure. 

He particularly excelled in the tie-break, committing only two unforced errors throughout the set to restore parity. 

Walking back to his chair, Murray raised his fist in acknowledgment of the resounding cheers from the home crowd.

In the third set, the former World No. 1 seized an early break and showcased his tenacity by saving two break points while serving at 2-1, thereby maintaining his momentum. 

From that point onward, Murray displayed a formidable serve, propelling him to a two-sets-to-one advantage.