Andy Murray
overcame a tough encounter with
Max Purcell and advanced to the third round at
the National Bank Open in Toronto.
The former
world No. 1 kicked off the US hardcourt swing at the DC Open, defeating Brandon
Nakashima but falling to Taylor Fritz in the round of 16. This week in Toronto,
he started with a solid victory over Italian Lorenzo Sonego, prevailing 7-6(3),
6-0.
Purcell
navigated the qualifying rounds this week, defeating local players Peter
Polansky and Brayden Schnur. In the first round, he faced the 10th seed and
local hope Felix Auger Aliassime, securing a convincing 6-4, 6-4 victory.
In the
opening set, Murray managed to secure the first break in the fourth game, but
the Australian quickly broke back to level the set, which extended to a
tie-break. The former world No. 1 played consistently, breaking Purcell's serve
twice and taking the set 7-6(2).
The second
set saw both players holding their serves firmly, but Murray offered three
break opportunities in the sixth game, with Purcell capitalizing on the first
one to gain a definitive advantage. Although Murray had a break chance at 5-3,
Purcell ultimately rallied and claimed the set 6-3.
In the
decisive set, the 25-year-old player held a 4-2 lead over Murray, securing a break
in the fifth game. However, he couldn't maintain it, and 3-time Grand Slam
champion won three consecutive games to take the lead.
The
36-year-old Brit had two match points on Purcell's serve, but the world No. 78
managed to save them, leveling the score at 5-5 and extending the match. Just
when it seemed like the match was heading for a tie-break, Purcell struggled
with unforced errors, giving Murray the opportunity to clinch the match with a
break in the 12th game.
In the next
round, Murray will face Jannik Sinner, with whom he has a head-to-head record
of 1-1. Their last encounter was at the 2022 Dubai Open. The Italian comes into
the next round after defeating his fellow countryman Matteo Berrettini in the
second round with a score of 6-4, 6-3.
