Andy Murray moves into the last eight; Gilles Muller departs – Brisbane International 2012
British number one and top seed, Andy Murray, was once again tested to his limits by the contestant from Luxemburg, Gilles Muller, in the second round battle of Brisbane International. On Wednesday, both players locked horns
for the second time in their career and Murray doubled his head-to-head tally by clinching an epic three-setter that lasted for two hours; final score was 4-6, 7-6(4), 6-0.
Last year both players were seen in action against one another in the fourth round Davis Cup tie in July. Murray eased past his opponent in that meeting by winning the first three sets but this time he dodged a major upset
to sneak into the last eight players of the tournament. Everyone at the arena was delighted to see such a close enthralling battle of class and stamina.
Muller started off the proceedings and both players held their respective serves at the start. They continued this momentum and didn’t allow their rival to have any sort of impact at the game. The see-saw battle between the
score continued till the scores were 4-5 in favour of Muller, with the Briton to serve the tenth game.
Stunning display of composure and all round ground shots helped the underdog to win the first break. That was the crucial break that helped him to clinch the first set and flabbergast everyone in the arena. Trailing one set
down and looking a bit rusty, Murray showed his passion and superior technique to pound the inferior ranked Muller in the following set.
Briton top seed hit the fourth gear in the first game of the next set and broke his opponent’s serve to stamp hi authority. He continued his dazzling momentum for the first three games but his overconfident display backfired
at him and Muller broke in the fourth game to level the score at 2-2. From there on, both players played with a proper game plan and hung on their respective serves to take the score to 6-6.
Muller was just one step away from the triumph but his luck was out. He couldn’t smother his competitor to another flabbergasting ending and lost the second set in the tie-breaker round. With score tied at one set apiece,
28-years-old Muller’s stamina was completely drained and he was in no position to have the same impact on the game. Murray took advantage of the situation and played corner to corner shots, which seemed unplayable for the inferior ranked, Muller.
Last set was completely a formality to confirm Briton’s win. He cruised past his opponent with three breaks and spared nothing at all. Andy Murray squares off against Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis. It is the most awaited contest
of the tournament.
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