Britain’s Andy Murray showed all of his quality and fight to edge past Frances Tiafoe in a thrilling European Open first-round match in Antwerp.
Murray saved two match points before taking a second of his own to win 7-6 (7-2) 6-7 (7-9) 7-6 (10-8) in a tense battle lasting three hours 45 minutes.
The Scot, 34, came from two breaks down - and a set point - to win the opener before his American opponent hit back. Momentum fluctuated in the deciding tie-break but Murray edged home.
From 8-7 down, he held his service points before sealing victory with a backhand dropshot which a scampering Tiafoe could only bat back into the net.
In a mark of their mutual respect, the pair enjoyed a warm hug at the net before Murray stopped his post-match interview to heartily clap his opponent off the court.
Murray will play Argentine second seed Diego Schwartzman, who received a first-round bye, in the second round on Thursday.
“I think that’s the first time in my career I’ve played a 7-6 6-7 7-6. I don’t think I’ve ever played a match like that,” said Murray. BBC
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