Andy Murray earned his first win of the 2024 season with a superb performance to beat France’s Alexandre Muller in the Qatar Open first round.
Britain’s Murray ended a six-match losing streak with a 6-1 7-6 (7-5) victory over the world number 75.
A manic celebration showed what it meant to the 36-year-old, who also raised his arms in relief when reminded it was his first victory of the year.
Murray, ranked 50th, plays 18-year-old Czech Jakub Mensik in the second round.
“Obviously the last few months have been tough on the court for me, I’ve not won many matches and lost a lot of close ones, so I’m delighted to get through,” said Murray.
“I’m proud I managed to get through the match, get a win and hopefully this is the start of a better run.”
Murray’s victory also came in spite of a knee injury which required treatment early in the first set.
Already a break up at 2-0, it looked as though it could be another frustrating day for the former world number one when he felt a tweak in his left knee and asked for a medical timeout after he held for 3-0.
Speaking to the physio on court, the Scot explained he had been feeling pain in the area for a few days and had received treatment for a cyst on his meniscus the day before Tuesday’s match.
To his relief he was able to play on unhindered, continuing to show some of the best tennis he has shown in what has been a chastening start to the season.
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