Andy Murray maintained a high level against one of the best players in the world for long periods but was outdone in the decisive moment by fifth seed Andrei Rublev, who saved After four set points, he finally defeated Murray (3) 7-6, 6-1 in the second round of the BNP Paribas Open.
The Indian Wells Championship has always been a bogey event for Murray, with the slow, bouncy course and gusty winds often leaving him vulnerable to an early exit even at the peak of his career, but he showed he’s got it by reaching the second round. His hitting ability is clinically superior to that of David Goffin. Rublev awaits a more difficult task.
It was also a big moment for Rublev, who was sidelined for the first time in his semi-final match against Alexander Bublik in Dubai after screaming at the linesman over a controversial call Walking onto the court for the first time. Rublev received some criticism for his initial statement after the incident, which did not properly address his own actions, but Rublev released a video before the game in which he deeply apologized for his actions.
The game was going well for Murray in the early going on Friday afternoon. As Murray desperately tries to find some form before the end of the summer, he makes a concerted effort to play more attacking tennis. He injected more speed into his at-bats, caught the ball earlier and took more risks.
He was serving at a high level, commanding his serve with confidence and putting Rublev under pressure on his own serve. His movement around the set was also excellent: at 4-4, 30-30, he moved left and right, then deftly sent a precise angled backhand pass past Rublev, latching on en route. Murray then put himself in the perfect position to win the set, taking four consecutive set points on Rublev’s serve to lead 5-4.
But he couldn’t turn it off. In addition to Murray missing a second-serve return, Rublev saved set point with a series of big forehands and service winners, an escape that gave him renewed confidence. However, by the tie-break, Rublev had complete control of the baseline.
As Murray gets further and further away from the baseline, his level gradually declines while Rublev’s vicious shooting continues in full swing. Rublev dominated the tiebreak and maintained momentum throughout the second set, calmly pushing Murray out.
Murray may have stressed that his career is unlikely to extend beyond this summer, but as he continues to travel the world and leave no stone unturned in his efforts to turn his form around, he still seems motivated by the even more unlikely. Hypothesis; despite his poor start to the season, he will eventually begin to reach a level that warrants his continued participation on Tour. He handled it well against one of the best players in the world, but he will take no comfort in another defeat.
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Meanwhile, 35-year-old Angelique Kerber achieved her biggest victory since her comeback by defeating No. 10 seed Jelena Ostapenko 5-7, 6-3, 6-3. Win and advance to the third round. Former world No. 1 and three-time Grand Slam champion Kerber gave birth to daughter Liana in February 2023. Top seed and 2022 champion Iga Swiatek won 6-3, 6-0 to advance to the third round over Danielle Collins.
