Andy Murray ‘proud’ after he reaches first ATP level final in nearly three years

Andy Murray admitted he was ‘proud’ to reach the final of an ATP Tour level event for the first time since Antwerp in 2019.

Murray has looked a lot like his old self this week at Stuttgart, where he has shown his grass court tennis remains at a truly elite level.

He beat Nick Kyrgios 7-6, 6-2 in the semi-finals to leave himself one win away from earning a seed in the Wimbledon draw.

Speaking on court after the match, Murray said: “It has been a long time since the last final [on grass]. A lot of ups and downs, but I kept going and kept working and finally managed to get to another one. I am proud of the effort I have put in.

“I was just a little more solid in the [first set] tie-break. I asked the questions.

“On these courts, when it is playing quick, the set often comes down to one or two points and I was a little more secure at the end of the first set.”

Andy Murray will face last year’s Wimbledon runner-up Matteo Berrettini in the final after he beat Oscar Otte 7-6, 7-6 in his semi.

“I am really happy,” Berrettini said. “Arriving at the tournament, that was the goal [to reach the final],”

“From thinking about it and actually making it is a big difference. I am happy I am here and have another chance to play another final after months without playing and after the first big surgery in my career.

“This means this is my level and I have proved once again I am comfortable at this level and on this surface. I really like it here at Stuttgart.”

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