Alexander Bublik drop shots his way to straight-sets victory over Andy Murray at Indian Wells

Alexander Bublik secured his first career win over Andy Murray to advance to the last 32 of the BNP Paribas Open. Murray had wins at Wimbledon and Rotterdam on his record against Bublik, but on the outdoor hard courts at Indian Wells it was the Kazakh — as well as his use of the drop shot and booming serve — who prevailed 7-6(9) 6-3. Ad/> Murray made a strong start with an imposing opening hold, and put Bublik under pressure in the second game but some big serves — which were a staple through the match — secured a hold from 0-40 down.

ATP Indian WellsMurray defeats Daniel to claim landmark 700th win11/03/2022 AT 21:24 The Brit had a lengthy conversation with umpire Carlos Bernardes at 3-2 in the first set, but it did not break his focus as he continued to put Bublik under pressure — and the Kazakh continued to find big serves. Bublik kept fending off the threat of Murray thanks to his big serve and an ace took the opening set into a tiebreak. It was a see-saw affair, with both players throwing in double faults and passages of brilliance.

Raducanu suffers early exit to Martic I'm tryring not to cry — Osaka affected by heckler A seventh ace from Bublik gave him a set point, but Murray fended it off — somehow getting his racket on a huge serve to put the ball at the feet of Bublik and winning the point. Murray let out frustrating cries of “Andy, Andy” when sending a backhand wide in the 19th point. One point later, Bublik got the job done when absorbing some Murray ground strokes before advancing to the net and putting a winner away.