US Open: Andy Murray battles for victory

Drama is rarely too far away when Andy Murray is around but the former champion took things to a new level when he survived a worrying bout of cramps to reach the second round at the US Open.

26 August 2014, 10:30am
by Staff Reporter

1 min read

Andy Murray in action against Robin Haase in the first round of the US Open

In hot but not overwhelming conditions, the eighth-seeded Scot was convulsing at times in the third and fourth sets but somehow managed to beat Dutchman Robin Haase 6-3 7-6 (6) 1-6 7-5 at Flushing Meadows.

Renowned as one of the fittest players on the ATP Tour, Murray arrived in New York raving about his mid-season fitness programme in Florida with new coach Amelie Mauresmo.

Finally free of pain, almost a year after back surgery, Murray looked lean and strong as he took to the court and though his tennis was patchy, his movement was good as he took the first two sets.

But from 2-1 in the third set, it was obvious something was wrong and as he cramped up, Haase took advantage to take the third set and lead 5-3 in the fourth.

Moving slightly better but still nowhere near 100 percent, Murray sliced and diced his way back to 5-5 and as Haase faltered, he clinched a dramatic victory.

Murray's next match is against Germany's Matthias Bachinger.