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Andy Murray Wimbledon 2021
Tennis News

Murray in a hurry against Broady


Murray needed five sets to defeat Radek Stepanek in the first round at Roland Garros last month, but had no such trouble against the world No.235 as he sealed a 6-2 6-3 6-4 victory in an hour and 43 minutes.

Murray was also taken to five sets by French wildcard Mathias Bourgue in the second round in Paris, but on the familiar grass of Wimbledon’s Centre Court, it was an altogether different story.

Wimbledon 2016 gallery

“The French Open was tough for me,” said Murray, who went on to reach the final at Roland Garros. “I had a couple of long matches to start the tournament.  I have also done it a lot of times in Slams, where I have been quick in the first week, won the matches fairly quickly.

“I just need to try and understand why that’s been the case in the past, and hopefully I can have another good start here.”

After seeing French Open champion Novak Djokovic make a fast start against James Ward on Monday, the Scot was just as quick out of the blocks, winning his opening service game to love before breaking Broady in the next game to take an early advantage. It was a commanding start from the Scot, who only dropped two points on his serve as he wrapped up the opening set in 24 minutes.

A double fault from Broady gifted Murray another break early in the second set, and the No.2 did not face a break point as he took a two-set lead inside an hour.

A break in the first game of the final set put Murray firmly on course for victory, and although Broady had two break points of his own, the 28-year-old never looked in danger of defeat as he marched into the second round, just before the rain arrived and the roof was closed on Centre Court.

“Any tournament it’s important, when you have a chance to win a match quickly, to do it,” said Murray.  “It’s not always that easy.  Sometimes your opponents can play very well, and sometimes you’re struggling a little bit.

“But when you have the opportunity in matches to finish them, you have to try and be ruthless.  I’m happy today I got done in three sets.  If that had gone to four, potentially I’d have to hang around and wait.”

Murray will now face Lu Yen-Hsun, a 6-4 6-1 6-4 winner over Russian qualifier Alexander Kuznetsov. The 32-year-old reached the quarter-finals at the All England Club in 2010 and has enjoyed a an 11-march winning streak on the grass, winning Challenger titles at the Aegon Trophy events in Surbiton and Ilkley.

 


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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.