Two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray reunited to beat James Duckworth and reach the second round at the All England Club; Murray will face John Isner; Emma Raducanu also advanced with the victory over Alison Van Uytvanck
Last updated: 6/27/22 11:54 PM
Andy Murray celebrates after defeating James Duckworth at Wimbledon
Andy Murray bounced back from losing the first set to beating James Duckworth and reaching the second round at Wimbledon.
Playing for the first time since suffering an abdominal injury in the Stuttgart Open final earlier this month, Murray overcame 4-6 6-3 6-2 6-4 in two hours and 43 minutes under a closed roof in the central track.
Murray, who had never lost before the third round at Wimbledon, will then face former semi-finalist John Isner, who needed five sets to beat French qualifier Enzo Couacaud.
Murray returned from losing the first set against Duckworth to win by four
Former world number one Murray leads head-to-head 8-0 against the great American.
“It’s amazing to be back here with a full crowd,” Murray said in his interview on the track.
“Now I’m hooking up a bit, so I don’t know how many more opportunities I’ll have to play on this court, so I want to make the most of it every time. I’m glad I managed to get through and I hope to have another game here. couple of days.
Murray vs Duckworth – match statistics
Murray Duckworth’s match statistics 16 Aces 10 2 Double fouls 5 85 First service victory percentage 73 50 Second service victory percentage 38 5/11 Break points earned 2/2 35 Total winners 47 14 Unforced errors 37 123 Total points earned 99
“I did the rebound well after the first set, he likes to play on the pitch, he was playing really well, once I started playing a little more my returns as the game progressed I felt a little more comfortable and I do well to overcome it. “
Murray showed no physical discomfort from the injury that has prevented him from playing competitively over the past fortnight, and then said he felt “okay” physically.
He said, “The last few days I’ve been serving were fine. I went for an scan, an ultrasound on Saturday after my practice just to see how it was progressing. Everything was clear for the first time. On the scans, which is really positive.
“I wanted him to know from my peace of mind that the injury has healed. Obviously I still have to take precautions and I still have to do some rehabilitation and protect her when I can.
“In today’s game it has been absolutely good.”
Murray received some tough training from Duckworth, especially in the early stages of the match.
Duckworth enjoyed his best career at Wimbledon last year, reaching the third round, and showed good variety with his background shots to break 2-1.
Murray celebrates winning a point
A few loose shots in the next game gave the lead directly, but Murray didn’t start and fell again in the ninth game when Duckworth propelled a direct winner to the line.
The Australian looked confident as he closed the set.
Murray did only 46 percent of the first services in the first set, but soon improved with the back-to-back loves. The two-time champion also found more pace with his backstrokes and eventually wore Duckworth to lead 4-2.
That break was enough for Murray when he tied the game.
Twitter Due to your consent preferences, you are unable to view these Privacy Options
Murray stepped up his game in the third set, earning an early break after an excellent drop shot and then earning a point after an armpit service that delighted the audience.
With the light fading and more bugs starting to come out of his racket, Duckworth asked for the roof of the center court to be closed. He got his wish, but only after losing the third set.
The fourth set was hotly contested until the ninth inning, when Murray overtook and broke down after a double foul by his opponent.
Murray had no trouble serving the win and sealed the win when Duckworth challenged a line call that turned out to be.
Jay Clarke’s battle to stay at Wimbledon will last until a second day after his first-round match with Christian Harrison was suspended due to bad light.
The Briton was ahead 7-6 (3) 6-1, but it had been a break in the third set only because Harrison hit again to put up the 5-5 before the game of the day on track 18 was stopped.
U.S. qualifier Harrison required a medical timeout due to a right foot injury, but continued to limping and moved to two games from one spot in the next round before the game had to be suspended shortly after at 9 p.m.
Former Wimbledon finalist Marin Cilic is out of the tournament after testing positive for Covid.
Cilic, who lost to Roger Federer in the final in 2017, had to face Mackenzie McDonald in the first round, but will be replaced by Nuno Borges.
“Hi guys, I’m sad to share that I tested positive for COVID,” Cilic wrote on Twitter.
“I have isolated myself and I was hoping to be prepared, but unfortunately I still feel bad and I can’t compete to the fullest. I have a broken heart to miss Wimbledon and see my turf season end like this . [I am] Looking forward to competing next year! “
Join us for All England Club coverage with our live daily blog via skysports.com/tennis, our Twitter account @skysportstennis and Sky Sports – wherever you are! Available for download now on iPhone and iPad and Android