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Andy Murray

WATCH: Andy Murray hits terrific slice drop shot in tense Wimbledon triumph


Two-time champion Andy Murray recovered from losing a 5-0 lead in the third set to beat Nikoloz Basilashvili in four sets on his Wimbledon singles return.

The wildcard prevailed 6-4, 6-3, 5-7, 6-3 over 24th seed Basilashvili in the first round on Centre Court – his first singles match at the All England Club since 2017.

The current world No. 118 took a competitive opening set by converting the only break point when the big-hitting Georgian served to stay in it at 5-4 behind.

Murray then saved break points at 2-2 and 3-3 in the second set, before taking a second break point on Basilashvili’s serve to go 5-3 ahead.

The Brit served the set out from 15-30 – including after hitting a sublime short backhand slice down the line to win a point.

The 34-year-old broke three times to storm to a 5-0 third set advantage, but failed to serve the match out three times, and could not convert two match points at 5-3.

He remarkably lost seven straight games to lose the set.

After a delay to close the roof due to fading light, there were three breaks in the opening three games of the fourth set – two going to Murray.

He closed out a nervy set 6-3 with his fourth match point to seal a memorable win.

It is his third ATP level victory of the year – having earned wins in Rotterdam in March and at Queen’s Club two weeks ago.

Murray will play either Oscar Otte or Arthur Rinderknech in the second round.


Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.