Andy Murray battles back to beat James Duckworth and thrill Centre Court

Andy Murray found himself dragged into another of those enthralling Centre Court nights under the lights – and responded with enough quality and finesse to suggest that he could yet make his deepest run for years over the next fortnight.

There was a fist pump and an almighty roar after Murray finally defeated the world No 74 James Duckworth 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 shortly after 9.30pm. But while the result was broadly expected, the way he did it – recovering from a scratchy first set to finish with 35 winners and just 14 unforced errors – left a searing impression.

Towards the end, in particular, there were echoes of vintage Murray: especially in the way he moved Duckworth around the court, teasing and testing, before applying the kill.

Of course stiffer tests await, starting on Wednesday against the 20th seed John Isner. But the big‑serving American did little in his five-set victory against the French qualifier Enzo Couacaud to suggest he should be feared.

Given it has been six years since Murray last lifted the Wimbledon jug, most have come to accept that he is no longer the player he was. That may be true, but he looks far fitter since linking back up with his old coach Ivan Lendl this year.

Victories against Stefanos Tsitsipas and Nick Kyrgios in Stuttgart have given him confidence. And, encouragingly, he looks to have fully recovered from a stomach strain he sustained against Matteo Berrettini that put his Wimbledon in doubt.

Many of the Centre Court crowd arrived expected a procession. Duckworth, though, had other ideas. The Australian wafted a devilish lob at 1-1 in the first set, immediately followed it up with another, and after a Murray unforced error had the first break of the match.

Not that Murray was unduly