Andy Murray has set up a clash with Italian star Janic Sinner over Australia’s Max Purcell in the last 16 of the Canada Open in Toronto.
The former three-time ATP 1000 world No. 1 fought back to win 7-6(2) 3-6 7-5 as he found an extra gear late on. The final package.
Murray next faces world No. 8 Siner, who beat Italy’s Matteo Berettini 6-4 6-3. The British legend and Sinner have played each other 1-1, but they haven’t faced each other since the start of 2022.
A win over Purcell will boost Murray’s rankings slightly as he aims to break into the top 32 at the US Open later this month.
The 36-year-old has moved up to world No. 36 in the Live ATP Rankings, his highest mark since he was world No. 29 in April 2018, as a result of his effort in Toronto this week.
Murray made an encouraging start against Purcell, holding to love in the third game to lead 3-1.
But the world no. 78 Purcell took the next game and then responded by hitting a love service game of his own.
Murray was desperate to get back but made a poor catch at 15-30 down after Purcell thought a slice was out and let it pass him at the net.
Murray faced a break point in the game but showed his superb defensive skills to save it, returning a smash before Purcell missed a short ball.
Andy Murray
Image credit: Getty Images
Murray went 4-1 up after an excellent drop shot as the set went to a tie-break.
Murray moved further clear and took the set when Purcell went wide with a forehand.
Murray looked to be on top at the start of the second set, but then he was broken at love, with Purcell curling a backhand wide to hand him a 4-2 lead.
Purcell followed up with a hold and soon closed out the set to level the match, forcing Murray to go the distance once again.
The Brit found a crucial edge in the business end of the decisive final set as he broke serve at 5-5 to secure a hard-earned victory.
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