VALENCIA: Andy Murray saved five match points to win his third title
in the past month by beating Tommy Robredo 3-6, 7-6 (9/7), 7-6 (10/8) in a
marathon Valencia Open final on Sunday.
Murray had also saved five match points to beat Robredo in the final
in Shenzhen last month, but appeared to be suffering from the exertions of
playing his 20th match in 28 days when he dropped the first set.
However, the Scot somehow ground out the victory as he saved match
points in both tie-breaks in the second and third sets to seal his 31st career
title in the longest ATP final of the year after three hours and 19 minutes.
Victory is also a huge boost to Murray´s hopes of making the ATP World
Tour finals as he moves up to fifth in the Race to London standings with just
the Paris Masters next week to come. "Unbelievable match, (he´s a) great
fighter," said an exhausted Murray.
"He´s 32 now and in unbelievable shape, he´s still improving. I
don´t know what else to say, but I have a lot of respect for you and I´m sorry
about today."
Robredo, meanwhile, paid tribute to Murray´s never say die attitude.
"He is so tough, he has more lives than a cat. Players like him don´t gift
you anything, to beat them you have to play a spectacular match," said the
world number 21.
Robredo seemed on course for his first title in 15 months as he broke
a seemingly shattered Murray twice to take the first set.
Murray responded by breaking at the start of the second, but Robredo
broke back to level at 4-4 and take it into a tie-break.
The 32-year-old had his first two chances to close out the match with
two match points when 6-5 and 7-6 ahead, but Murray wasn´t to be denied as he
eventually levelled when Robredo fired long.
Murray was on the ropes again in the deciding set as he cramped up and
double faulted twice to gift Robredo the break at 4-3.
The two-time Grand Slam champion recovered again, though, to break
straight back and Robredo had to save a match point himself when serving to
stay in the match.
Robredo had three more match points in the tie-break, but Murray
battled back once more and he finally sealed victory with a backhand winner.
(AFP)
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