Andy Murray vs Andrey Kuznetsov as it happened: World No 1 through to second round after battling past Russian
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Your support makes all the difference.Top seed Andy Murray cleared a potentially tricky first round hurdle at the French Open on Tuesday, downing in-form Russian Andrey Kuznetsov 6-4 4-6 6-2 6-0.
After a regulation first set that he won in 45 minutes, the world number one lost his bearings midway through the second, dropping four games in a row to allow his 73rd-ranked opponent to square the match.
The Scot then moved through the gears and breezed the third and fourth sets with the loss of just two games.
Murray will play World No 53 Martin Klizan in the next round.
Where can I watch it?
If you’re in the UK, you have a choice. Both ITV4 and British Eurosport will be screening the action.
What’s the head to head record?
Murray has won both of their previous encounters. The first at the 2014 US Open in four sets, the second in Beijing last season, which Murray won 6-2 6-1.
What have they been saying?
Murray: “The past few months have not been good, obviously. I haven't played well. I had a few issues as well.
“I need to accept that I'm struggling and then find a way to get through it.
“I will get through it - I'm sure of that. When that happens, I don't know. Hopefully it happens in a few days. Hopefully it happens at this event. If it doesn't, maybe it happens during the grass.”
Kuznetsov: “If you maybe see the results he showed on clay, maybe it's not his best as he showed last year.
“A few guys like (Borna) Coric, for example, beat him in Madrid. It shows that it's possible to beat him. Also in the first rounds of the big tournaments, maybe they need some time to find rhythm and so on.
“Of course it will be important to start good. If it goes to a five-setter, there will be a few more chances for him to win because of the physical conditions.
“But if he starts a little bit nervy and shaky, and I start with confidence, maybe I can win one set and take a lead in the second.
“For me it's a good experience to play against a world number one. If I win, I will be a hero. If I lose, nobody will be surprised. [There is] nothing to lose for me.”
What are the odds?
Andy Murray to win: 2/11
Andrey Kuznetsov to win: 24/5
And who will the winner play in the next round?
Either the Czech Republic’s Martin Kližan or French wildcard Laurent Lokoli. Kližan — who reached the third round at Roland-Garros three years ago before losing to Marcel Granollers — is the more likely opponent.
Murray 6-4 4-6 6-2 1-0 Kuznetsov*
The first yelp of frustration from Kuznetsov. He's trying to really attack Murray's second serve - the Scot's biggest weakness - but he's overdoing it a little bit. He belts one into the net at 30-15 and roars in anger.
A fine crosscourt backhand reminds Murray that the job isn't done just yet, however. And then it's Murray's turn to rant and rave after he plants the ball into the net. Deuce.
Two terrific shots - a backhand and a forehand - win Murray the game. That was a superb chance for Kuznetsov to apply some pressure at just the right time, but he faltered.
Murray* 6-4 4-6 6-2 2-0 Kuznetsov
Great touch from Murray, who gives Kuznetsov a taste of his own medicine by sending him sprawling with a drop shot. The Russian then twice hits long, Murray finding himself with three break points.
He only needs one. Again Kuznetsov hits long. Again he has absolutely gifted the World No 1 a break of serve.
Murray 6-4 4-6 6-2 3-0 Kuznetsov*
It's all getting a bit tetchy out there. First Murray responds to a Kuznetsov winner by gesticulating angrily in the direction of his box and loudly castigating himself. And then Kuznetsov responds to whalloping another forehand long - his 41st unforced error of the match! - by yelling out in Russian, very loudly and presumably very rudely.
The error loses Kuznetsov the game. He trails 3-0 in the fourth set.
Murray* 6-4 4-6 6-2 4-0 Kuznetsov
Kuznetsov doesn't look to have an awful amount of fight left in him. He sloppily allows Murray to take a 30-40 lead and Murray then punishes him with another cute drop shot. Kuznetsov attempts to spring forward, but doesn't have enough in the tank. It's a winning shot from Murray, who now has victory well and truly in his sights.
Murray 6-4 4-6 6-2 6-0 Kuznetsov
Kuznetsov gets a big cheer at the start of this game and races into a 30-0 lead. But he's instantly pegged back, first by a powerful Murray backhand and then by one of the best dropshots you're likely to see all tournament. Murray hits it on the move and it looks as though it's going to fall short for an age, before dropping just the right side of the net. Kuznetsov managed to get a good slide on, too, and yet still wasn't able to get anywhere close.
We go to deuce and then Kuznetsov finds himself with a break point, which Murray defends in spectacular fashion: again he finishes it off with a lob. He then brings up match point with a crushing forehand which Kuznetsov doesn't have the strength to return.
Can he finish it off? Yup, and in emphatic fashion too, with a crunching return that zips down the line and beyond the tired Kuznetsov.
Game set and match to Andy Murray: 6-4 4-6 6-2 6-2
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