Andy Murray and his elder brother, Jamie continued their winnings ways on foreign shores with encouraging victories in separate tournaments at the weekend. Whilst Andy was demolishing Fernando Verdasco to claim his first Dubai singles title, his equally talented doubles-playing sibling was backing partner Bruno Soares to claim the Mexican prize in the picturesque surroundings of Acapulco.
Continuing to flourish
The proud Dunblane Tennis professionals continue to flourish in their respective disciplines. Sir Andy maintained and extended his advantage over keen rival Novak Djokovic at the top of the men’s singles rankings thanks to his efforts in the UAE.
Not be outdone though, Jamie seems to be dovetailing nicely with the experienced Brazilian Soares, as the pairing fully justified their top seeding at the Mexican Open event.
Epic battle with Kohlschreiber
Murray junior had to survive an epic quarter-final battle against the German Philipp Kohlschreiber earlier in the week, fighting back from a set down and saving seven match points in the second, before roaring through the final set. The potentially draining 31-minute second set tie break would have presented a challenge to lesser men on the gruelling ATP tour, but not it seems to the Scot.
Commanding victories
After disposing of the Frenchman, Lucas Pouille in straight sets in his semi-final, he wasted little time in seeing off his Spanish opponent, Verdasco in the final itself.
The commanding 6-3 6-2 score-line bore apt testament to Murray’s dominance, as he took just 74 minutes to claim his first tournament title of 2017. That makes it 45 titles and counting for the current BBC Sports Personality of the Year, as he seeks to retain his position at the top of the game.
Despite a shaky opening to his match against Verdasco – Andy lost his first two service games as double faults crept in to his play – the number one seed gradually regained his composure and drew level at 3-3.
Seizing on Verdasco’s inability to capitalise on further break points in game eight, the Scot closed out the first set and was largely untroubled thereafter.
Delight for brother, Jamie and Soares
Jamie and his good friend Soares sported traditional Mexican sombreros as they basked in the limelight following their emphatic final victory over the formidable pairing of American John Isner and Spaniard Feliciano Lopez 6-3 6-3.
That makes it four titles now for the likeable duo, since they opted to link up last year.
Fine margins
Jamie reflected on the fine margins between success and failure in the ever-competitive doubles tournaments at the post-match interviews. Referring to their tough opening round three-setter (10-8 in the third set) with the Croatian pairing of Marin Cilic and Nikola Mektic, he mused that they “did well to win the first match this week,” before adding that sometimes “you squeeze through the first match and go on to win the tournament.”
