‘My tennis is only going to get better’: Andy Murray suffers narrow defeat by Kyle Edmund at Battle of the Brits event – and will now face test against James Ward to earn semi-final spot
- Andy Murray lost 6-7, 7-6, 10-5 to Kyle Edmund at Roehampton on Wednesday
- The pair produced high-quality tennis during a tight Battle of the Brits meeting
- Murray must see off James Ward for a place in the semi-finals of the tournament
- Ward and Cameron Norrie also won ahead of this weekend’s deciding matches
Andy Murray prepares to return to action in the Battle of the Brits tournament on Wednesday
Murray took on British number one Kyle Edmund at the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton
There were times last night when Andy Murray must have been sorely wishing that Wimbledon was actually happening next week.
Kyle Edmund as well, because the two of them produced a match of remarkably crisp quality for a duo who have not been acquainted with competitive tennis for many months.
The 25 year-old from Yorkshire clinched it 6-7 7-6 and then 10-5 in one of the ‘champions’ tiebreakers that are deciding matters at this self-styled Battle of the Brits.
The former Wimbledon champion celebrates taking the first set after winning the tie-break 7-2
Edmund takes revenge by winning the second set as he enjoys a 7-5 tie-break win in response
The twice Wimbledon champion slightly faded at the end of two hours and 31 minutes’ punishing exchanges, and tomorrow he will have to defeat James Ward today to book his place in the semi-finals.
Yet in his serve, returns and passing shots there was plenty for the 33 year-old Scot to take from this against a top 50 player, especially considering it was only his second outing since November.
‘It was much better than yesterday the way I hit the ball from the back of the court,’ said Murray. ‘It would have been nice to come through but I made a few poor decisions at the end.
‘I’m not too bothered about the results, if my hip is good my tennis is only going to get better. There were positive signs. My groin was a little sore but I felt alright as the match went on.’
A tired-looking Murray then loses the third set 10-5 in a match between two returning players
He added that he is inclined to play the Citi Open in Washington, prior to the US Open in late August.
Edmund, occasionally impetuous in these sealed-off surroundings, was duly impressed: ‘He has had a big operation but he is still able to move well,’ said the GB number two. ‘He has found some sharpness and his anticipation helps him. It’s not easy to hit through him. You are still playing Andy Murray, who has won so much.’
It was another steaming hot environment – event promoter Jamie Murray was not to know that this would be the hottest weekend of the year to stage an event indoors, mainly because it is easier to operate all the required safety protocols.
Edmund was always going to provide a proper test, having made an encouraging start to the year which saw him win the New York Open in February before lockdown.
Edmund secures the deciding set 10-5 to leave Murray needing a win to make the semi-finals
He has emerged from the hiatus beefed up by an extra four kilos of muscle, having all the more power to put behind his blistering forehand.
The court this week is of tight dimensions, but Murray was able to soak his opponent’s aggression up in an impressive first set.
Edmund got ahead in the second set but was immediately broken back, as he continued with his tendency to force the pace too hard and make errors.
Murray was clinical in the opening tiebreak, but was always behind in losing the second one 7-5. There were a few too many mistakes at the end but he was seriously competitive, occasionally letting out high-pitched screams of frustration.
Earlier there were wins for Cam Norrie and James Ward over late substitute Ryan Peniston and Liam Broady respectively. Places are still there for the taking in the weekend’s semi-finals.
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