Murray to face fellow Brit Kyle Edmund in Citi Open second round
Monday 31 December 2018 11:54, UK
Andy Murray converted on his seventh match point to beat Mackenzie McDonald in three sets and set up a second-round tie against fellow Brit Kyle Edmund at the Citi Open.
McDonald, 23, broke two of Murray's opening three service games and wrapped up the first set 6-3 inside 40 minutes.
But Murray drew things level, taking a crucial game nine in the second for a 5-4 lead and serving out the set.
A 73-minute deciding set followed, in which Murray took an early break and found himself 5-4 up and serving for the match.
But McDonald saved five match points and converted his second break point to draw things level at 5-5.
Murray broke back immediately for a 6-5 lead following a controversial call when McDonald's racket was adjudged to have crossed the plane of the net at 30-30. The former British No 1 then made no mistake in serving out the match.
"It was a tough, tough match," Murray told the ATP Tour website.
"It could have gone either way. Obviously, if you lose a match like that, it's a tough one.
"When I lost to (Teymuraz) Gabashvili here (three years ago), I lost serving for the match, so I was thinking about that a little bit, too. It is just nice to get through.
"I wasn't dictating many of the points. I wasn't hitting the ball that cleanly. I just fought and tried to make it tough for him.
"Made a few little adjustments here and there. But mentally, it was a big one to get through."
The 31-year-old skipped Wimbledon earlier this year and is playing in Washington as he continues his protracted recovery from long-term hip trouble.
Murray had surgery on his right hip in January, only returning to action on June 18, facing Nick Kyrgios at Queen's.
He later overcame Stan Wawrinka at Eastbourne, only to lose in straight sets to Edmund two days later.
We have the US hardcourts covered from all angles via our websiteskysports.com/tennis. On the move? Head to our app for mobile devices and iPad, or follow our Twitter account @SkySportsTennis to join in the conversation.
Never miss the big kick-off or have to deal with interrupted games or low-quality streams with a NOW TV Sky Sports Pass this summer. You'll get exclusive coverage of the Ryder Cup, ATP Tour and loads more, starting from just £7.99. No contract.
