US Open 2022: Andy Murray downs error-prone Francisco Cerundolo to reach second round

30.08.2022 - 07:05 timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Andy Murray powered into the second round of the US Open with a comfortable 7-5, 6-3, 6-3 win over Argentine Francisco Cerundolo on Monday, as the former world number one rolled back the years at the scene of his first Grand Slam triumph a decade ago.

The 35-year-old Scot, who has battled various injuries in recent years, raced to a 5-2 lead early in the match but dropped his level slightly before edging a tight first set and breaking quickly in the next to put 24th seed Cerundolo under pressure on a sweltering hot Arthur Ashe Stadium court. "It is obviously nice any time, especially in those conditions and early on in a slam to get through in straight sets," said Murray. "He's a top player, it was a good win for me. "Mentally it's not easy going into a five-set match in those conditions after the way the last few weeks have been for me, and I did well. "I did well physically and mentally to put that to the back of my mind and find a way to get through." Murray staved off a comeback attempt by Cerundolo to take the second set for a commanding lead and showed little signs of stepping off the gas pedal, as his opponent continued to make life difficult for himself with unforced errors.

A double break in the third set allowed twice Wimbledon champion Murray to surge ahead 4-1 and he sealed the win when Cerundolo sent a return long.

Andy Murray Francisco Cerundolo Scotland Usa Argentina county Arthur county Ashe

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Andy Murray. World number 14 Berrettini came through 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (1/7), 6-3, crunching 18 aces and 55 winners in total on Arthur Ashe Court. A semi-finalist in 2019 and quarter-finalist last year, the 26-year-old goes on to face Spain's Alejandro Davidovich Fokina for a last-eight spot.

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