Andy Murray happy with his ‘great returns’ as he dismisses Alexander Bublik in Rotterdam

Andy Murray once again underlined his growing confidence as he defeated Alexander Bublik in the first round of the Rotterdam Open.

Murray says he is ‘feeling great’ right now after a torrid time with injuries in recent years, although he knows results are far more important than words.

He certainly delivered a memorable one in Rotterdam, with recent Open Sud de France champion Bublik vanquished in the first round.

Bublik defeated world number three to win his maiden ATP Tour title last week, and he got the chance to serve for the opening set in this one, but Murray was good enough to hold off the impressive Kazakhstani.

“There were some tough moments in the first set for both of us,” Andy Murray told Amazon Prime after the match.

“I just managed to come through at the end of it – hit some great returns off some big second serves at the end and did a good job.

“It’s not easy playing against someone like that – he’s going for huge serves, a lot of drop shots and at times is looking disinterested but is still trying. You have to keep your focus and I did that well.”

Australian Open semi-finalist Felix Auger-Aliassime now awaits for Murray in the second round, and he knows he will have to raise his game again to go further in the tournament.

“I’m looking forward to that one,” Murray said. “He’s started the year very well, one of the best young players just now.

“I’ll need to be on my game if I want to beat him but it’s a great test for me and we’ll see what happens out there.”

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