Great Britain's Andy Murray defeated America's Frances Tiafoe 7-6 (6), 3-6, 6-1 in the Western & Southern Open first round at Flushing Meadows. Following a nine-month lay-off from a pelvic injury and the unexpected COVID-19 pandemic, Murray bounced back and advanced to the second round of the W&S Open.
Two-time champion Murray's focus on rehab and strengthening his hip for the past ten months seems to have paid off. Practicing only three days a week on-court for 90 minutes, with most of the training centered around recovery, Murray was fit and ready to compete again.
Throughout the match, Tiafoe was unpredictable as usual, frequently throwing in drop shots and random forays, determined to follow his whims rather than a coherent game plan. After thriving in the first set, Tiafoe took the upper hand in the tie-break and rolled into a 5-2 lead. But as he moved towards securing the first set, his game fell apart.
Despite Tiafoe's excellent start, Murray remained concentrated in the tense moments, sweeping up his errors, and then slipping a slick forehand shot to take the first set.
With the opening set lasting for 70 minutes, Murray struggled to keep up, and the pace of his shots slowed down throughout the second. Tiafoe took advantage and responded with an exceptional performance to level the match.
But as a new page turned, Murray ramped himself up to begin the third set and refused to miss. There was nothing Tiafoe could do.
Murray will face the world No. 7, Alexander Zverev, in the second round -- a real test to see how well his body has recovered and how well his body is ready.
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