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Andy Murray Australian Open 2022
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Andy Murray survives scare to quash qualifier in memorable Dubai return


Andy Murray is into the second round of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships after battling to down world number 158 Christopher O’Connell. 

As has been the case in many of his recent matches, Murray played out an extended encounter with the Aussie as the duo played for nearly three hours on centre court before the Brit triumphed 6-7 (4-7), 6-3, 7-5.

The win comes nearly five years on from the last time the 34-year-old played the event when he claimed his only title in the city as then world number one.

“I mean, I enjoyed the result,” Murray responded honestly when asked if he had fun during the match.

“What went on in the middle, not so easy.”

And Murray showed glimpses of his world-beating form today, such as this brilliant fight to best O’Connell late in the second set.

“I still feel like I can compete at the highest level,” Murray continued on his aims and form.

“It’s not easy, obviously, physically it’s very challenging for me.

“But, winning matches like [today] is obviously very satisfying.”

The victory was a 699th for Murray on the ATP tour as he looks to become only the fourth active player behind Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic to register over 700 win’s in the men’s game.

To achieve that 700th victory in Dubai the Brit will have to overcome either Alejandro Davidovich Fokina or fourth seed and world number 10 Jannik Sinner in the second round.

Murray has faced Sinner once before, defeating the young Italian in the second round of the Stockholm Open in November last year.

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