Murray Grabs First Title Since 2019 In Return To Form Going Into French Open
It is almost four years since Andy Murray won the European Open in Antwerp in 2019. Since then he has continued to battle with inconsistent form and fitness, and on the eve of the Aix-en-Provence Open there were questions about his future once more. However in southern France on Sunday he defeated American Tommy Paul in three sets to claim an important Challenger Tour trophy.
Andy Murray won his first title in almost four years with a 2-6 6-1 6-2 comeback win over Tommy Paul at Open Aix-en-Provence on Sunday in France.
Murray had been struggling for form before arriving in Provence, as he prepares for the clay court Grand Slam event at Roland-Garros next month.
However his form and fortune appear to have changed for now, and he beat some notable names on his way to victory, including veteran Frenchman Gael Monfils, and Luca Van Assche in the quarter-finals.
He beat Harold Mayot in straight sets on Saturday to reach the final, looking for his first title win since October 2019, when he won the European Open in Belgium.
Paul arrived as the No. 1 seed and overcame Belgium’s David Goffin in his semi-final tie on Saturday.
It looked as if the younger man would have a straightforward afternoon initially, as he won the first set comfortably, 6-2.
However Murray steadied himself and trounced his opponent 6-1 to set up a third-set decider in France.
The 35-year-old Scot then continued to press his opponent and secured a 6-2 win in the third set to claim his first tournament victory in four years.
“This last year, 18 months has been a bit of struggle with my game. But [my team] have been there supporting me and working with me to try and get better,” Murray said after securing his first title on clay since 2016. “We keep going from here.”
Murray received excellent support all week and was full of praise for those who turned out to watch.
“The most important part of this week [was] the fans who came out to support,” Murray said. “The atmosphere from the very first match right to the end was incredible. It’s so important for these tournaments to have the support of the local community and you guys came out even before the tournament started.
“[During] the practice sessions, you were out here watching and supporting. It means a lot to the players, but it’s so important to this event as well.”
