Andy Murray has won his first match at ATP level in six months, stunning tennis fans with an incredible comeback in Rotterdam.
After missing last month’s Australian Open when he tested positive for coronavirus, Murray was forced to dig deep to win his first-round match at the World Tennis Tournament against Robin Haase 2-6 7-6 (7-2) 6-3.
It marked the 33-year-old’s first victory at ATP tour-level since the US Open on September 1.
After a match that lasted two-and-a-half hours, the former World No.1 said he feels like he’s playing for his career every time he steps on the court.
“Every time I lose a match I’m getting told to retire, that I should stop playing, that I’m finished and got nothing left or whatever and it’s sad and all of these things,” said the Scotsman.
“I feel like I’m playing for my career just now, each time I step on court, which is a motivation in some ways.
“But it also adds a bit of extra stress. There’s a bit of extra doubt there and on top of that I’m playing with a metal hip, which is hard.
“Trust me, it’s not easy.”
Fans were delighted to see Murray in the winner’s circle again.
Kei Nishikori also gets much-needed win
Other first-round winners in Rotterdam were Kei Nishikori, 7-6 (7-4) 6-1 over seventh seed and last year’s finalist Felix Auger-Aliassime, Cameron Norrie and qualifier Marton Fucsovics.
The 31-year-old Nishikori is 3-7 since returning from injury and illness in September last year and his next opponent will be an Australian, in Alex de Minaur or John Millman who play their opening round match on Tuesday.
Former World No.1 Murray, now ranked 123rd, was back on court on Monday after losing in Montpellier last week in his first ATP Tour match for four months.
