‘I am improving’ – Andy Murray encouraged after winning first ATP singles match since surgery

Andy Murray was understandably thrilled to pick up his first singles win at ATP level following surgery, but admitted it was one of his ‘toughest ever matches.’

Murray carved out a 6-3, 6-7 (6-8) win over Tennys Sandgren at the Zhuhai Championships on Tuesday, battling for well over two hours to earn what will be a very important victory from a psychological point of view.

The former world number one, though, warned before the tournament that he is still a long way off even approaching the form that made him a contender for every Grand Slam he played, and one win certainly doesn’t seem to have changed that view.

“In some ways it was one of the toughest wins that I’ve had,” Murray admitted afterwards.

“It’s good to see I’m still progressing and making improvements.

“Tonight was a really good match to get through but I’ll see how I feel tomorrow.

Back with a BANG! ?@andy_murray | @ZhuhaiChampions

— ATP Tour (@ATP_Tour) September 24, 2019

“It was important for me to get my first win on Tour since the operation. Now it’s pretty cool to play and not have pain there.”

The Scot had previously won singles matches in Majorca this year, but it was at Challenger level rather than on the ATP Tour.

Murray will get a rest day on Wednesday now before facing a tough test against Australian Alex de Minaur in the next round.

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